TRANSITION ST ALBANS IS A GRASSROOTS INITIATIVE, HELPING ST ALBANS BECOME A

SUSTAINABLE, LOW CARBON COMMUNITY, LESS RELIANT ON FOSSIL FUELS

COMMUNITY ENERGY

TRANSITION ST ALBANS

EMMANUEL - WORK EXPERIENCE AT BRIXTON ENERGY SOLAR

‘This experience showed me how much people are willing to work together to bring

about positive change within their communities.’

AGENDA

• What is community energy?

• How does it start?

• Why do it?

• Presentation from Grand Union Community Energy

• Q&A

• Networking

Community Energy in Germany accounts for almost

50% of renewable generation. In the UK its less than

0.5%.

Thursday 3rd October 2013: Solar & wind power installations

produced almost 60% of Germany’s electricity demand or

34.6 GW, as much as 27 nuclear power stations.

3.5GW potential for community energy in the UK

WHAT IS IT?

• Low or zero carbon initiative that could involve a school or business, a street, housing estate or a whole village/town

• Locally generated decentralised power and heat

• Usually renewable energy based, such as Solar PV, Wind or Biomass

• Different types: Reducing, managing and purchasing energy

• Raises money through donations, grants and share offers and in some cases bank loans

HOW DOES IT START?

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

• Feed in Tariff

• Renewable Heat Incentive

• Export tariff

• Power Purchase Agreement

• Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) 30% tax relief

• Seed EIS - 50% tax relief

• Social Investment tax relief 30%

LEGAL STRUCTURE

• Industrial and Provident Society (IPS) for the benefit of the community - based on cooperative model

• Community Interest Company (CIC) - Asset lock - More scope for funding - can help setup IPS

GRANTS

• Rural Community Energy Fund

• Urban Community Energy Fund

• Community Energy Saving Competition

• Peer Mentoring Fund (Dec 2013)

• Big Lottery Fund

• Foundations (Esmee Fairburn)

WHY?

• Reduce dependence on centralised and imported energy

• Less need for unsustainable energy sources such as shale gas

• Empowers communities to take ownership of their energy supply

• Provides path to greater self sufficiency

• Benefits the local community

• Lowers energy bills

• Educational resource

• Work experience/internship or employment possibilities