The GreenerFuture project has been supporting the growth of community energy groups and projects across Leicestershire.
Community energy projects bring local people together to generate renewable energy, save energy and create community benefits such as saving people money and creating green jobs. Our project has supported community energy projects with funding, training and skills development, and an online forum.
We are also supporting schools and businesses in Leicestershire that would like to get solar installed through community investment. This means that you could get solar without the usual upfront costs.
Find out more about our project! (PDF, 2.1 Mb)
What's been happening?
Leicestershire County Council has approved grants through its 'Get Ready Community Energy Fund' for community groups to kickstart renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The full funding pot of £140,000 has now been allocated.
Some of the projects that have been awarded funding are featured our October newsletter. They will run until February 2026.
Does your business want to save on energy bills?
If your business is interested in saving money on energy bills by installing solar panels – working with a community energy organisation could mean that you can do this without any upfront investment.
Community Energy Organisations can raise funds through community shares. This is a type of crowd funding but people get a return on the money they invest.
Community shares are a tried and tested way of securing investment and are a great way to make projects happen where funds are not available through private investment, grants or government funds. They are used by all types of community businesses, including community energy.
Investment is made to the community energy organisation, who will own and operate the solar as well as taking care of all the administration. Your business then buys the energy at a discounted rate.
Take a look at this presentation to learn more and get in touch if you think it could work for your business.
A bit more about community energy....
The community energy movement is made up of professionals, community groups, organisations, businesses, and people that want to create a greener energy system, develop their skills and job opportunities, or simply want to make a difference in their spare time.
These are some headlines of what the community energy sector has already achieved.
Source: Community Energy England, 2023
Who we are
As part of GreenerFuture Leicestershire, Leicestershire County Council, Community Energy Pathways and Green Fox Community Energy, are working together to kickstart the community energy sector in Leicestershire.
Community Energy Pathways supports the community energy sector to build its scale and impact throughout the UK. They are bringing over a decade of experience, leading experts, extensive networks and partnerships, to support the development of community energy projects and organisations in Leicestershire.
Green Fox Community Energy is Leicestershire's leading community energy organisation. Established in 2012 by local people, it aims to increase community owned energy projects in Leicester and Leicestershire.
