We are Community Energy Barnet
Our mission is to develop fair, low-carbon and community-driven energy infrastructure in Barnet.
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We want to empower Barnet residents to drive change within our borough. We want to generate renewable energy locally, to bring down bills and reduce fossil fuels consumption.
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Our goal is to inspire broader change towards a sustainable and resilient energy future for Barnet, benefitting both the community and the environment. Through collective effort, we can make Barnet a model for sustainable living, showcasing the potential of local actions in addressing global challenges.
Join us in our journey for a greener future, where every resident plays a part in building a more sustainable Barnet.
What is Community Energy?
Solar
Wind
Hydro
Community Energy empowers residents to invest in and develop renewable energy projects within their communities. Depending on the location, these energy systems may include solar panels.
Community Energy groups are active throughout the UK, delivering cost savings to local communities, boosting energy security, and reducing carbon emissions. These groups empower local people to participate directly in energy projects and witness real, positive changes in their area. They offer a hopeful path towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system for everyone.
Types of renewable energy used in Community Energy projects
Solar is a popular choice due to UK’s moderate climate and sufficient sunlight levels. Solar panels can be installed on roofs of residential and commercial buildings to generate electricity.
Biomass heating systems use organic materials like wood pellets or chips to generate heat for residential or community buildings.
Wind turbines (small-scale) can be installed in areas with higher wind speeds such as coastal regions or exposed uplands.
Anaerobic digestion converts organic waste into biogas, which can be used to generate electricity and heat.
Micro-hydro systems can be installed in suitable locations where there is a flowing water source (a river or a stream), to generate renewable electricity.
GSHP (ground-source heat pump) systems extract heat from the ground.
ASHP (air-source heat pump) systems absorb heat from the outside air to provide heating and hot water, suitable for urban areas where space for ground installations is limited.
In urban and suburban areas like Barnet, solar panels and air-source heat pumps work well.
How does Community Energy work?
The community invests in a co-operative or Community Benefit Society
Profits are used to pay a dividend to investors and reinvest in new projects
The Community Benefit Society uses the money to install renewable energy projects at local sites
The electricity generated is sold at a reduced price to the local sites, saving them money on their bills
Explore Community Energy
Community Energy England is the membership body for community energy groups, with over 300 members. Their website is a hub for information on the sector, including a nationwide map of projects.
Community Energy London is focused on developing community energy potential in London through advising local groups, sharing expertise and lobbying government. Their website has lots of useful resources including maps that show both existing community energy projects and sites for potential new projects.