Richmond’s community energy movement gathers momentum

A new community energy group for Richmond is beginning to take shape, following several months of activity bringing together local residents and organisations interested in developing community-led renewable energy projects across the borough.

Visiting a community solar project

Last Wednesday (4 November) Richmond residents interested in developing the new community energy group enjoyed a visit to a community solar project at Harris Girls’ Academy in East Dulwich established by local community energy group Sustainable Energy 24 (SE24). Participants heard directly from experienced community energy practitioners and the school headteacher and were able to see how community-owned and community-led energy projects can work in practice.

The visit was the fourth and final event in a programme of community energy activation sessions that Community Energy London has been running for Richmond Council since July. Across the programme, participants have heard from knowledgeable speakers representing established community energy groups, explored different approaches and begun building the relationships needed to develop a new group in Richmond.

Community energy groups bring people together to set up renewable or clean energy projects that benefit their local area. These can include solar panels on schools or churches, heat pumps in community buildings, or heat networks in neighbourhoods.

Richmond’s community energy group holds first meeting

With the initial awareness-building programme now complete, the Council’s focus is shifting towards supporting the emerging group to develop its priorities and identify practical opportunities for action, with Repowering London commissioned to support the new group as it formalises as a Community Benefit Society.

At least 30 highly capable people with a spectrum of expertise are actively interested in forming a group. They held their first kick-off meeting at Patch in Twickenham last week, with some excellent discussions about how the group could work together, its ‘north star’ priorities and the potential workstreams it could focus on as it develops.

The meeting marks an important step in building a locally-led group that can turn interest in community energy into practical projects and opportunities.

Get involved

There is still plenty of opportunity for other residents and local organisations to get involved. You don’t need to be an energy expert. The group is keen to hear from people who are interested in community action, renewable energy or simply want to contribute to developing practical local projects.

You can find out more about community energy in Richmond.

Anyone who would like to join the new community energy WhatsApp group, contact rachel.krengel@repowering.org.uk.

For any other questions about the programme or community energy in Richmond, contact georgina.creighton@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk.