Role of community energy schemes praised by North East & Yorkshire Net Zero Hub
The hub manager at North East & Yorkshire Net Zero Hub has described the major benefits of community energy schemes, as she said the group was seeing communities “take ownership of energy” in their local areas.
Community energy schemes are small scale energy production projects, designed to be community-owned and to generate power for local people and businesses.
Speaking at The Yorkshire Post Climate Change Summit, Karen Oliver Spry, hub manager at North East & Yorkshire Net Zero Hub, described community energy schemes as “one of the most exciting parts of our work.”
She added: “When communities generate their own energy, the benefits stay local.
“Energy costs fall, resilience improves, income can be reinvested into community projects, carbon emissions are reduced, and perhaps most importantly, people come together around a shared goal. Community energy isn't just about power generation; it's about empowerment.”
The Net Zero Hub is one of five local net zero hubs operating across England. The hubs are funded and directed by the government to support the development and delivery of energy projects.
Ms Oliver Spry also hailed the work of the region in bringing forward impactful green initiatives.
She said: “While much of the national conversation focuses on large infrastructure projects, some of the most impactful changes are happening at a local level across the northeast and Yorkshire. We are seeing public buildings become more efficient, homes become warmer and cheaper to heat, and local authorities unlock projects that previously seemed impossible.”
Yorkshire and the Humber are home to a number of community energy schemes including Power Hull and Sheffield Energy Works.