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
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