Sharenergy has been involved with well over 100 community energy groups and projects. Below you can see details of a selection of projects – next to each project you can see tags showing the type of support we have offered in each case:
- admin ongoing operational support
- bond offer administrative or development support for a bond offer
- development support in developing the project (business modelling, financials, legal support etc)
- setup support in setting up the society
- share offer administrative or development support for a share offer
- funding projects where we contributed development funds or worked at-risk
You can also see these projects on a clickable map
Big Solar Co-op
solar PV
1000 kW
accountancy admin development funding setup share offer
The Big Solar Co-op is a new approach to community solar, supported by Sharenergy. The project is working across the UK to:
- Make solar viable on a huge range of sites – without subsidy
- Empower and support volunteers to work together to get it built
- Fight the climate crisis through large-scale, grassroots community action
Bishop’s Castle Heat and Wind project
heat
development
Bishop’s Castle in south Shropshire is not on the gas grid, so most of the heating comes from oil and LPG. Carbon emissions can be reduced in two ways; by saving energy and by generating renewable energy.
Obtained through Shropshire and Telford Community Energy (STCE), in early 2024 the Bishop’s Castle Heat and Wind project project was awarded a substantial Community Energy Fund (CEF) grant to carry out further studies. Sharenergy are managing the project, which will include ecology and technical studies, and obtaining ’expressions of interest’ from the town’s householders, organisations and businesses – including the Community College and SpArC, who wish to be connected to the heat network.
Previous work part-funded by a grant received from Power to Change (PtC) has been done in collaboration with the local community group Lightfoot Enterprises. For more information, see the project website.
Braemar Community Hydro Ltd
hydro
100 kW
This hydro scheme now generates clean, low carbon electricity from the Corriemulzie Burn on the outskirts of Braemar, with the surplus going to a well-established local community group.
Brassington Heat Network RCEF Feasibility Study
wind
development
Sharenergy undertook a Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) funded feasibility study for low carbon district heating in the village. An event was held at the village hall, which 50 people attended. The event even featured on BBC Midlands Today East! Click here to watch the YouTube video.
The study is available on the Midlands Net Zero Hub website.
Brent Pure Energy Ltd
solar PV
300 kW
accountancy
Brent Pure Energy Community Benefit Society have successfully raised funding to install solar panels at 2 schools in the London Borough of Brent.
Brighton Energy Coop
solar PV
7000 kW
accountancy admin setup share offer
Brighton Energy Ltd is one of the largest community energy organisations in the country, having built scores of solar PV systems on community buildings, educational facilities and business premises across East Sussex and beyond. BEC have supported scores of local community initiatives in and around Brighton and Hove, are a vocal supporter of improved energy policies, and remain one of the driving forces for the community energy sector.
Buttermere Hydro
hydro
45 kW
development
Melbreak Renewable Energy CIC (MRECIC) is developing a 45kW hydro electric scheme on Mill Beck in Buttermere. A Stage 1 Rural Communities Energy Fund (RCEF) funded report was compiled by Derwent Hydro. Sharenergy are taking the project through the planning and development stages, funded by RCEF Stage 2. The cost of building the scheme is estimated to be roughly £300k, and revenue will be earned from electricity sales to a local hotel and power exported into the Grid. Capital will be raised by a public share issue. They are currently seeking permission for consent to build on Common Land.
Chase Community Solar
solar PV
1000 kW
admin development share offer
CCS raised over £1 million in 2015, through a community share offer and loan, so that, with the support of Cannock Chase Council, they could fit 314 of their council bungalows with solar panels.
Chester Community Energy
accountancy admin
Chester Community Energy Ltd. is a registered Community Benefit Society which develops and facilitates renewable energy schemes in Chester and the surrounding area. Their aim is to produce renewable energy generation, reduce the carbon emissions in their area and encourage energy efficiency, raising funds to carry out work via grants and public share offers.
Community Energy Preston
solar PV
research
Community Energy Preston’s aim is to develop locally owned, renewable energy in Preston and the wider North West of England. They believe that this renewable energy generation should be locally owned, with the benefits flowing back into Preston!
Sharenergy has been commissioned to look into into potential rooftop mounted photovoltaic arrays at Preston College and Leigh Spinners Mill, judging their suitability for rooftop solar and in particular for use in a community energy project.
Community First village hall electric vehicle (EV) charging
research
development
The image is an example of a village hall EV charger at Thwaites Village Hall, Millom, Cumbria (courtesy of Charge My Street). Community First commissioned Sharenergy to assess feasibility of a pilot installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points, solar arrays and batteries at 10 village halls in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. This study was funded by the Rural Communities Energy Fund (RCEF) and will be available on request on the Midlands Net Zero Hub website.
DDCE Solar car parks Feasibility Study
solar PV
development
Derbyshire Dales Community Energy (DDCE), funded by the Community Energy Fund (CEF) has commissioned Sharenergy to assess the technical, social, environmental and economic case which EV charging and solar canopies may bring to the rural towns of Matlock, Matlock Bath and Bakewell, gateways to the popular Peak District National Park which currently attracts 14 million cars per year.
The outcomes of the feasibility study will be shared with other community energy groups across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and with other local authorities in the East Midlands.
Dingwall Wind Co-operative
wind
250 kW
accountancy admin development setup share offer
Dingwall Wind Co-op own and run a 250kW wind turbine in Ross-shire which was commissioned in 2014. Energy produced by the turbine is sold to the grid, and the co-operative regularly contribute to a community fund that is used to support local community projects.
Donside Aberdeen Community Energy
hydro
100 kW
accountancy admin bond offer development setup share offer
Aberdeen Community Energy was Aberdeen’s first community energy scheme, set up in 2015, and they have built, own and operate Donside Hydro, a 100 kW micro hydro scheme. Electricity produced by Donside Hydro is sold to the national grid, and income raised is used to support a range of community and environmental projects in the local area.
Dorset Community Energy
solar PV
1500 kW
admin development
The members of Dorset Community Energy (DCE) have invested in the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on twelve schools and four community buildings in Dorset.
Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) PV
solar PV
development
Sharenergy are carrying out a Community Energy Fund (CEF) Stage 1 funded feasibility study into a potential ground-mounted photovoltaic array at Langford Hospital for Exeter Community Energy (ECOE).
Fetlar Wind
wind
50 kW
accountancy admin development share offer
Fetlar is one of the islands that make up Shetland, one of the windiest inhabited places on the planet. Fetlar Wind run 2 25kW turbines which feed into their own island grid.
Sharenergy helped Fetlar wind to carry out their share offer and have continued to offer administrative and board support.
Gower Regeneration Ltd
solar PV
1000 kW
accountancy
GowerRegen have built a 1 megawatt community owned solar farm which is now in wider community ownership.
Grand Union Community Energy Ltd
accountancy admin
GUCE evolved as a project of Transition In Kings in 2012 with the launch of a £70,000 share offer to finance solar panels on the roofs of a local school, which they raised in 8 weeks.
Grannell Community Energy
wind
500 kW
accountancy admin development setup shares
Grannell Community Energy raised £368,406 in 2018 to fund the construction of a wind turbine at Ffrwd Farm, Llanwnnen in Ceredigion, which is now up and running and generating clean power.
Greater Manchester Community Renewables
solar PV
734 kW
accountancy admin share offer
GMCR have built solar PV systems on schools and community buildings across the Greater Manchester area, with around 300kWp of solar arrays installed across 8 sites. Electricity generated is sold to the national grid and money raised is used to support a range of carbon reduction, energy efficiency and environmental education projects.
Green Fox Community Energy Co-operative
other
accountancy admin development
Green Fox is Leicester and Leicestershire’s very own community energy co-operative. Established by local people, the co-operative aims to facilitate the increase of community owned renewable and low carbon technology.
Hanley Castle RCEF Feasibility Study
research
Hanleys Energy Action Team (HEAT) contracted most of the work for this feasibility study to Sharenergy with funding obtained from the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) to look into ways of helping the parish decarbonise.
A baseline analysis of current energy usage, an assessment of local building stock, and a study of renewable energy options were carried out. Advice and encouragement was given to homeowners and businesses on how to reduce their carbon footprint.
Heartland Community Wind
wind
500 kW
admin development setup share offer
Heartland Community Wind operate a pair of wind turbines near Aberfeldy, producing 500 kW of power. The Society’s community fund supports scholarships for local young people at nearby Perth College.
Keswick solar PV
solar PV
development
Sharenergy assited Sustainable Keswick (SusKes) to identify buildings suitable for hosting rooftop PV across Keswick, Cockermouth and nearby areas. The local groups want to build a critical mass of generation capacity to enable delivery of a solar project which would include EV chargepoints and a car club.
Lakeside YMCA RCEF Feasibility Study
solar PV
development
Sharenergy were asked to provide a feasibility study to YMCA Fylde Coast examining the potential application of renewable and sustainable energies at Lakeside YMCA, with funding provided by the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF).
Sharenergy’s feasibility study focussed on three aspects: Solar PV, anaerobic digestion and a replacement heating system. Sharenergy advised fitting 300 PV photovoltaic panels, which would generate over 90,000kWh of electricity for the YMCA, most of which could be used on site, reducing the YMCA’s fuel bills and carbon emissions. These PV arrays could also heat hot water, possibly in conjunction with air source heat pumps. The panels could be owned by the YMCA, or they could enter into a partnership with a Community Energy Society. YMCA are currently looking at partnering with the Big Solar Co-op.
Ledbury Community Solar
solar PV
90 kW
admin development setup share offer
Ledbury Community Solar operate a 90kW solar array on the Shaw healthcare building in Ledbury, which was commissioned in 2014.
Leominster Community Solar Co-operative
solar PV
50 kW
admin development funding setup share offer
Leominster Community Solar Coop installed a 49kW solar array on the Bridge Street Sports Centre in Leominster, generating clean, green electricity for the centre.
Llangattock Green Valleys Micro Hydro Co-operative
hydro
111 kW
admin development setup share offer
Before the arrival of reliable mains electricity in the Brecon Beacons, many landowners relied on private micro hydro schemes to generate electricity. Now, this multi site hydro scheme provides a key part of the strategy to make Llangattock a carbon negative community.
Sharenergy provides administrative and operational support to LGV Hydro. We helped the Society carry out a successful merger with a similar local hydro co-operative, reducing overheads and increasing the effectiveness of volunteer time. Sharenergy worked with the Societies to plan the merger so that it was fair for members of both groups, and helped with the formal merge procedure.
Ludlow Hydro Co-operative
hydro
30 kW
admin development funding setup share offer
LHC was created in 2015 to fund-raise and install an Archimedean screw turbine at Ludford Mill in Shropshire. The turbine harnesses the River Teme to generate hydro-electricity from Ludlow’s Horseshoe Weir. At the centre or apex of the weir is a fish pass.
MaidEnergy
solar PV
390 kW
admin
MaidEnergy launched their first renewable electricity generating community Solar Photovoltaic (PV) share offer in 2015. Since then their investment has funded seven Solar PV installations and one ground source heat pump.
Malvern Community Energy Cooperative
solar PV
30 kW
accountancy
Malvern Community Energy Cooperative have installed a 30kW solar array on the thriving community venue, the Malvern Cube.
Marches Heat RCEF Feasibility Study
research
Ludlow 21, a local action group in Shropshire, with funding from the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF), commissioned Sharenergy to investigate the possibility of community-owned shared loop ground source heat pumps with the remit to look at alternatives if this was not deemed viable.
The study looked at 17 properties: 6 bungalows in Burwarton belonging to Shropshire Rural Housing (SRH) and 11 owner-occupied houses in the Wintles estate, Bishop’s Castle.
Sharenergy also investigated the use of individual heat pumps for all the properties, and the use of High Heat Retention Storage heaters for the Burwarton bungalows.
This work has led on to investigations into a larger scale heat network for Bishop’s Castle.
Matlock Community Energy Model
solar PV
development
Derbyshire Dales Community Energy (DDCE) is a registered Community Benefit Society based in Matlock, Derbyshire. Together with Matlock Town Council, DDCE carried out a Rural Community Benefit Fund (RCEF) funded feasibility study for the implementation of a community energy project within the town. This study identified two sites within the town that would be suitable for the installation of roof-mounted solar PV panels. More details on this and the full report can be found here.
DDCE are now partnering with the Big Solar Co-op, who will raise finance, install solar panels on buildings and manage them for the lifetime of the solar panels. This short video shows how DDCE are working with Big Solar Co-op.
Nantwich Mill Hydro
hydro
development
Nantwich Mill Community Energy has commissioned Sharenergy to develop the Nantwich Mill hydro site, funded by the Community Energy Fund (CEF). It is understood that the electricity generated will be sold to the new hotel development site adjacent to the park.
Sharenergy will be supporting the hydro consultancy work, by engaging the community and developing the business case.
Northern Roots
solar PV
development
Sharenergy worked with Northern Roots on a Rural Communities Energy Fund (RCEF) funded ground-mounted solar development at the UK’s largest urban farm and eco park in Oldham, Manchester.
Oswaldtwistle Solar Meadow
solar PV
2000 kW
development
The Prospects Foundation, an environmental charity based in Accrington, commissioned Sharenergy to carry out a study using resources obtained from the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF).
The study investigated the feasibility of installing a 2MW solar array on land owned by the Prospects Foundation in Oswaldtwistle, and showed that the scheme would be viable if set up under a private wire arrangement.
A planning application was submitted to Hyndburn Borough Council in May 2023, to which Network Rail raised an objection to the ‘glint and glare’ of the panels. The angle of the panels was changed to avoid this problem, the redesign was submitted and received approval on the 12th June 2024. The solar farm is set to be built by the end of 2025, and will supply electricity to the grid with a further connection to power the William Blythe Ltd chemical plant to the north side of the Leeds and Liverpool canal.
More information can be found on the Project website.
Pomona Solar Coop
solar PV
300 kW
accountancy admin development setup share offer
Pomona Solar’s 300 kW array provides PV power direct to small businesses on a farm in Herefordshire, with some left over for the grid on sunny days. It’s an innovative project, showing that small-scale field arrays can be viable. Members and Directors of Pomona have supported numerous other social and community initiatives across the Marches region.
Sharenergy was deeply involved in this project from the very beginning, helping with landowner negotiations, systems design, business planning and the subsequent share offer. We continue to work closely with Pomona Solar and run their everyday admin.
Power Up North London
solar PV
535 kW
accountancy admin share offer
PUNL work on solar PV projects, energy efficiency and heat/decarbonisation projects. They have raised £355,000 from share offers, and have 12 live solar sites.
Reading Hydro CBS
hydro
46 kW
admin share offer
Reading Hydro CBS was set up to generate renewable, low-carbon electricity from the power of the River Thames. To achieve this they designed, financed, built and now operate a hydropower scheme beside Caversham Weir in Reading, using Archimedes screw turbines.
They receive income by selling electricity to a local business and from the feed-in-tariff (FIT). This covers operating costs and provides a modest return to investors. Any financial surplus that they make is returned to the community as grants for environmental projects.
Renewable Power Pembrokeshire
accountancy admin share offer
Renewable Power Peombrokeshire facilitate the local ownership of natural resources, such as food, energy, biodiversity, and create new means of exchange.
Rossendale Valley Energy
solar PV
Rossendale Valley Energy (RVE) is a community energy group founded in 2022. They aim to help Rossendale live in warmer, healthier homes without extra cost and improve their fuel security in a fair and affordable way.
Funded by a Community Energy Fund grant, Sharenergy is working with RVE to look at the costs of bringing the two Rossendale Valley Energy solar projects at Interfloor (IF) in Haslingden and Lanxess Paragon Works (PW) to the point of capital raise.
Sedgeberrow Renewable Energy RCEF Feasibility Study
research
development
Funded by the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF), a renewables scoping report produced by Sharenergy for Sedgeberrow Sustainable and Manageable Energy (SeSaME) concluded that there was one main project worth pursuing further: a combined wind turbine and heat pump at a local plant nursery; New Leaf Plants. Stage 2 RCEF funding has now been approved to develop this project further, and a new Community Benefit Society is being set up – Evesham Vale Energy Renewables (EVER) to steer this and to look at other possible projects in the area.
Read more in this Evesham Observer article.
Shropshire and Telford Community Energy
solar PV
10000 kW
accountancy development setup shares
In 2023, Shropshire and Telford Community Energy (STCE) raised £294k in share capital to bring Twemlows solar farm into community ownership, as part of a portfolio called Community Energy Together. This 10MW scheme was built in 2015 using private finance but was looking for a new home in the community sector.STCE are also involved in a number of other initiatives in the Shropshire and Telford area, the main project being the Bishop’s Castle Heat and Wind project which Sharenergy is managing.
Small Wind Co-op
wind
855 kW
admin development funding setup share offer
Small Wind Co-op members own 5 wind turbines on 3 sites across Wales, Scotland and England. It is SWC’s mission to build the portfolio of turbines in a sustainable way, fulfilling its objective of increasing the amount of community-owned renewable energy capacity at a time when government policy has focussed on offshore wind.
Southill Community Energy
solar PV
4,500 kW
accountancy admin bond offer share offer
SCE developed and operates Southill Solar, Oxon, which has been generating green electricity since November 2016. See their website for details of their impressive wildlife measures on site including their innovative thermosolar beehives!
Southport RCEF Project
wind
development
Sharenergy have been working with Zero Carbon Liverpool City Region (ZCLCR), funded by the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) to consider the feasibility of a community renewable energy scheme.
Sharenergy’s work focussed on installing a 1MW turbine at Southport Eco Centre to replace the now defunct smaller one that is already there. A survey was circulated to the local community, which received a largely positive response to renewable energy.
This project has now been shelved, as Sefton Borough Council have announced plans for a surfing attraction at the site of the Eco Centre. Read more on the project website.
Spennymoor
solar PV
development
Spennymoor Town Council (STC) is committed to decarbonising their local area and inspiring positive environmental action. The Council owns a former aerodrome site and wants to explore how they can better utilise this land to benefit the local area.
The Council has been awarded a grant to investigate the feasibility of this through the Community Energy Fund, managed by the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub.
Sharenergy are producing technical and financial modelling on the site for a ground mount solar system, to best meet the needs of the local community.
Sustainable Energy 24 Ltd
325 kW
accountancy admin
SE24 has a track record of successful finance raising, beginning with their first projects in 2016. Their ‘people’s power stations’ are on the roofs of community buildings including three schools, two churches, a sports centres, and a hospice.
Swansea Community Energy
360 kW
accountancy
SCEES was set up in 2015 to develop community-owned solar projects in Swansea. In 2016, they installed solar PV panels on 9 schools and 1 care home in and around the wards of Townhill and Penderry in Swansea.
Unisolar Ltd
solar PV
29.6 kW
accountancy
UniSolar is a community energy initiative that aims to bring solar panels to the roofs of UK universities.
Wedmore Community Power Cooperative
solar PV
1000 kW
admin bond offer setup share offer
Wedmore Community Power Co-operative owns a 1 MW groundmounted solar project, set up in 2013 by people living on the Isle of Wedmore in Somerset to enable their community to use solar energy.
Wester Derry Wind Co-operative
wind
250 kW
accountancy admin development funding setup
Wester Derry Wind Co-op is a not for profit co-op which owns a 250 kW wind turbine at Kilry near Alyth in Glen Isla on the border of Angus and Perthshire. The turbine is 100% co-operatively owned by its 180 members and generates a community benefit fund for local schools
Whalley Community Hydro
hydro
100 kW
admin
Whalley Community Hydro generates clean, green electricity from the power of the River Calder in Whalley in the Ribble Valley.
Woolhope Dome Community Woodfuel Co-operative
heat
200kWth kW
admin development funding setup share offer
Woolhope Woodheat is a Community Co-operative in South Herefordshire which owns and operates biomass boilers and provides sustainable, locally sourced wood fuel for those boilers, reducing carbon emissions and saving neglected woodland from decay.
Ynni Anafon Energy
hydro
270 kW
admin setup share offer
The largest community hydro project south of Scotland and a real beacon for community renewables in North Wales.
Sharenergy are very proud to have been involved in offering admin support to Ynni Anafon Energy
YnNi Newydd
solar PV
admin
The site is located at Bretton Hall Farm and crosses the boundary between Flintshire and Cheshire. The site covers 49 hectares of land currently used for sheep grazing, which will continue after construction. The solar farm will have a generation capacity of 30MW and provide enough electricity to supply 8,400 homes. It is estimated that this will lead to an overall saving of 6800 tonnes of CO2 every year during the 40-year lifetime of the project.
As the project will be owned by its membership, 100% of the profits generated will be distributed to other projects providing community benefits.
Towards the end of 2024, they plan to launch their inaugural share offer, which will kickstart construction at the site.
YnNi Teg
wind
900 kW
admin bond offer development share offer
YnNi Teg built a 900 kW wind turbine in Carmarthenshire in 2017 which generates over 1700MWh per year. This Community Benefit Society supports a number of community initiatives around the Meidrim area.