Community owned energy set to thrive in Ashford with local residents the key

Residents, businesses and community groups across Ashford are being invited to help shape a new wave of locally owned renewable energy projects.  

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has partnered with Community Energy Pathways to support the development of a community-led energy organisation that will identify and deliver renewable energy projects across the borough.  

The initiative aims to create projects that generate clean electricity locally while keeping financial and social benefits within the community.  

Early opportunities are expected to focus on rooftop solar installations on large buildings with high energy use, helping to reduce carbon emissions, running costs and strengthen local energy resilience.  

Looking for local leaders  

We are looking for local people from all walks of life to bring their skills and passion to make change happen and take a leading role.  

Around eight volunteers will become the Founding Members (like a board of trustees for a charity), with a wider one member, one vote membership.  

Free resources, business development advice and support will be provided to set up the organisation, help discover the right projects and plan for funding the future renewable energy projects.   

An introductory webinar to outline the project and the roles we need to kick things off will be held at 6pm on Thursday 25th June. You can register for that here. 

To find out more, please email Nicola Davidson at Community Energy Pathways at nicola.davidson@communityenergypathways.org.uk. 

“We’re excited to be working with Ashford Borough Council to help grow community energy across the borough,” Ollie Pendered, Executive Chair of Community Energy Pathways, said. “Community energy gives local people the chance to take an active role in creating cleaner, fairer and more resilient energy systems.  

“We’re looking forward to connecting with residents, organisations and businesses who want to be part of delivering practical local energy projects that can benefit Ashford for years to come.”  

The programme will provide support including expert advice, business development assistance and help accessing funding for renewable energy projects.  

Anyone interested in getting involved or finding out more can contact Nicola Davidson at Community Energy Pathways via nicola.davidson@communityenergypathways.org.uk.   

"This is very exciting – Ashford’s green power station! Community energy is a central part of our energy strategy because it helps us deliver both decarbonisation and a Just Transition,” Cllr Steve Campkin, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment and Sustainability and Deputy Leader of Ashford Borough Council, added. “By keeping renewable energy ownership and the income from it within the community, we can use the returns to help lower bills, support households, businesses and community assets and reinvest in more renewable projects.   

“It is a win-win approach that showcases the business case for renewables, whilst ensuring the benefits back our communities, not big business.

“Net zero saves money!"