New Community Energy Groups emerge, pioneering sustainable energy initiatives in Central Bedfordshire
Thursday, 17 August 2023
Central Bedfordshire takes a giant leap towards a sustainable future with the formation of two ground-breaking community energy groups that are set to revolutionise the local energy landscape.
As one of 10 councils that qualified for the first stage of the pathway to be funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), to support the growth of the community energy sector, we partnered with Community Energy South (CES) on a Community Energy Pathways programme. This means community groups across Central Bedfordshire are helped get their green energy projects started or fast-tracked.
We’re pleased to announce that two groups have now been formed. The first is Greensand Community Energy, from Ampthill and Flitwick and four surrounding parishes. It is looking at developing a range of decarbonisation projects with local schools, businesses and individuals.
Next is Buzz Community Energy, formed in Leighton Linslade/Buzzard which includes the Parish of Billington which is looking to develop a pipeline of projects, starting with a school roof solar project.
There are also groups forming around Houghton Regis, Potton and Fairfield. The Potton group will welcome interest from local groups and residents from the local area including Biggleswade and Sandy.
Councillor Tracy Wye, Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, said:
These groups are a great way of getting smaller-scale energy decarbonisation projects underway in Central Bedfordshire, whether through installing renewable technology, encouraging active travel or electric vehicles, or reducing the demand for energy. It is so important to empower people and communities to be the change they want to see, and to use the funding for a number of individual projects that will add up to a significant reduction in carbon emissions. The schemes will also bring a number of cross-benefits such as savings on energy bills, improving air quality and establishing Central Bedfordshire as a leading example of sustainable energy practices.
Our Sustainability Plan, adopted in 2020, sets out a clear a 'road map' of commitments and projects to work towards supporting the Central Bedfordshire area to be net zero carbon by 2030.