Helping communities build a cleaner, more resilient future through locally-led energy projects.
Could your community generate, own or benefit from clean energy?
Free support to turn your community energy idea into a plan
Across Cumbria, communities are exploring how they can take more control of their energy – from solar panels on community buildings to larger renewable energy projects.
Community energy puts local people at the heart of energy projects, helping communities generate clean power, reduce energy costs, strengthen local resilience and keep more of the benefits of energy investment within the local area.
You don’t need to have a fully formed project to get started. You might simply have an idea, a potential site, a community building, or a group of people who want to explore what’s possible.
This is where we can help.
Explore whether a community energy project could work in your area.
Understand the different options and approaches available.
Identify the next steps for your project.
Think through potential sites, technologies, partnerships and community benefits.
Understand what you need to investigate, such as planning, grid connections and feasibility.
Prepare for potential funding opportunities.
Connect with other organisations and communities who are also working on community energy.
About Futureproof Cumbria
Futureproof Cumbria has more than 25 years’ experience delivering community-based sustainability and energy programmes across Cumbria.
We helped establish Community Energy Cumbria and have supported the development of community hydro and solar projects, including raising more than £650,000 through community share offers.
Now, we’re working with the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) to bring Community Energy GO support to communities across Cumbria.
Through Community Energy GO, you can access free expert advice to help you develop your community energy idea – whether you’re just starting out or already have a project in development.
This is also a gateway to obtain funding for feasibility studies and further development funds through the North West Net Zero Hub.
You don’t have to know all the answers before you get in touch.
Advice is available for projects at different stages – from groups with an idea but no clear plan, through to established organisations with a potential site or feasibility study already underway.
Interested in exploring what’s possible?
Complete our Expression of Interest form and tell us a little about your group and your idea.
About Community Energy GO
Community Energy GO is a national programme delivered by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, providing communities with expert advice to help develop local energy projects.
The support can help groups get ready for potential funding through the Great British Energy Community Fund, delivered in our area by the North West Net Zero Hub.
Funding opportunities are intended to help communities investigate and develop projects – including work such as feasibility studies, community consultation, exploring potential sites and early discussions around issues such as planning and grid connections.
The North West Net Zero Hub is actively encouraging communities to develop their ideas and build local support now, ahead of future funding opportunities.
Community Energy GO can help you understand what you need to do next and make the most of the support available.
Come to an event to find out more
To help you with your project, there are a series of webinars and events to help you over the coming months:
Wednesday 30th September, 1-2pm
Wednesday 21st October, 12.30-1.30pm
TBC in October
Wednesday 4th November, 1-2pm
Tuesday 24th November
Thursday 26th November, 12.30-1.30pm
Connect with other groups across Cumbria
Community energy doesn’t have to happen in isolation.
The Cumbria Sustainability Network (CSN) brings together groups and individuals from across the county to share ideas, experience, resources and opportunities. The network can help you connect with others who are already taking action in their communities.
There are already community energy organisations and sustainability groups active across Cumbria, including Community Energy Cumbria.
Learn more about community energy
Want to understand community energy before you get started?
We’ve produced Community Energy in Cumbria, a practical introduction covering community energy models, renewable energy options, key issues and barriers, and examples from across the county. Information correct at time of publication.
You can also watch this short video.
Resources and funding
We have gathered a range of useful links for anyone considering developing a community energy project, including dozens of funding streams you can tap into.
Ready to explore your community energy idea?
Whether you’ve got a brilliant idea, a potential site, a community building that could generate energy, or simply a group of people who want to find out what’s possible, we’d love to hear from you.
Complete our Expression of Interest form and take the first step.
Get in touch
Got a question? Send us an email and a member of our team will be happy to help.
With thanks for funding and support from the Cumbria Combined Authority.
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