Central Bedfordshire Council news and press releases

We've partnered with Community Energy South to help support Central Bedfordshire community energy projects – express your interest

Monday, 28 November 2022

We've partnered with Community Energy South (CES) on a groundbreaking pathways programme.

The Community Energy Pathways programme enables community groups across Central Bedfordshire to help get their green energy projects started or fast-tracked.

We're one of 10 councils which have 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.

Community Energy South will deliver a six-step mentoring programme to help establish a thriving community energy sector across Central Bedfordshire.

Councillor Steven Dixon, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Public Protection said:

We’re thrilled to be working with Community Energy South to get community energy projects off the ground and those already in train, accelerated, here in Central Bedfordshire. Projects range from solar panels on community buildings, energy efficiency projects to renewable energy generation.”

We’re committed to driving forward initiatives that will help reach our target for the area to be net zero carbon by 2030.

Ollie Pendered, Chief Executive of CES said:

We are very excited about working with Central Bedfordshire. They are a shining example of a local authority wanting to deliver on its Sustainability Plan goal to reach Net Zero, and seeing the benefit of bringing on board our Pathways programme to help them to achieve this.

Events

Emerging groups or individuals interested or involved in community-led renewable energy projects can express their interest and find out at the following online events:

8 December 2022, 6pm until 7pm

Book your place for 8 December

10 January 2023, 2pm until 3pm

Book your place for 10 January

Contact

Community Energy South is also offering training, business development and funding support. Email centralbeds@communityenergysouth.org to find out more.