State of the sector

State of the sector

Our research shows that in 2019 communities generated 40 GWh of energy, reducing carbon emissions by 10,860 tCO2e - equivalent to the demand of 13,300 UK homes.

For the second year in a row we have worked with Community Energy England to carry out research into community energy activities in our area. The aim of the research was to learn more about the impact of community energy in our region, the motivations and challenges faced and the future of the community energy sector.

The research sets a benchmark for the sector moving forward and provides a clear indication on where the North West sits in terms of community energy.

In 2019, community energy across the north west of England comprised:

  • 32 community energy organisations identified throughout the Electricity North West area working on local decarbonisation projects development, supported by 37 full-time staff.
  • 826 kW of newly installed electricity generation capacity, taking the total regional capacity to 17.5 MW and generating 40 GWh of electricity in 2019.
  • 12 community organisations delivering energy storage, energy efficiency and low-carbon transport projects in their local areas.
  • £412,500 in funding and investment for community energy projects raised and distributed locally.
  • Community benefit funding spending of over £68,000, alongside the creation of 6 full-time jobs and £65,000 of cost-savings for community homeowners and businesses.
  • 15 community organisations planning innovative and impactful low carbon projects into 2020, including electricity generation, low carbon heating, transport and energy efficiency in local homes and schools.

 For the complete findings from our research in 2018 and 2019 you can read the full reports below.