Community Energy Initiatives: Embedding Sustainable Technology at the Local Level, 2005

Policy statements have placed growing importance on the use of renewable energy in the United Kingdom (UK) and increased interest in the potential for community-based renewable energy with funding programmes and support networks set up to promote this approach.<br> <br> It is claimed that through co-operative community projects, new technologies and developments may be more readily accepted. These should be more appropriate for the local context and more able to bring communities a range of economic, social, educational and environmental benefits. <br> <br> This research evaluated the role of community initiatives in the uptake of sustainable energy technologies in the UK. The researchers constructed a database of community projects, undertook national programme-level interviews and carried out project case studies selected to provide a cross-section of regional and local contexts and experiences. Data were collected in six small-scale, rural settlements where community renewable energy projects had been successfully implemented, three in Wales (Llanwyddn, Moel Moelogan and Bro Dyfi) and three in the North of England (Kielder, Falstone and Gamblesby).<br> <br> The research highlighted the extent and diversity of community renewable energy projects, the different interpretations of community and both the positive outcomes and challenges that had arisen. A number of policy implications were identified.<br> <br> Further information about the project, may be found on the ESRC <a href="http://www.esrcsocietytoday/esrcinfocentre/viewawardpage.aspx?awardnumber=RES-338-25-0010" title = "Community Energy Initiatives: Embedding Sustainable Technology at the Local Level">Community Energy Initiatives: Embedding Sustainable Technology at the Local Level</a> award web page.<br> <br>