Community energy

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Community energy is locally owned, locally run renewable energy and energy‑saving projects that give residents and organisations a direct stake in the transition to net zero. 

These projects can include rooftop solar, small‑scale wind or hydro, shared EV charging, community battery storage, and neighbourhood energy‑efficiency schemes. At their core, they put people in control: the community generates or saves energy, the benefits stay in the community, and any surplus is reinvested for local good. 

Community energy can play a powerful role in cutting emissions and improving energy affordability across the borough:

• Lower carbon emissions :  By replacing fossil‑fuel energy with clean, locally generated renewable power, community energy directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions — a key part of the UK’s net‑zero pathway. 
• More affordable energy: Local generation and energy‑efficiency projects help reduce household energy use and bills. In 2021, UK community energy efficiency measures saved residents over £3.3 million. 
• Local investment and resilience:   Community‑owned energy keeps value circulating locally, creating jobs, strengthening neighbourhoods, and building a more resilient energy system that’s less exposed to volatile global markets. 

With strong community networks, active climate groups, and growing interest in home electrification, Bracknell Forest is well‑placed to benefit from community energy. Local projects can help residents cut bills, support vulnerable households, and accelerate the borough’s transition to a cleaner, fairer energy future.

If you are interested in helping to shape this great local project, please email bfcca@outlook.com, and we will be in touch.