Energy Co-operatives
Community energy co-operatives develop and own renewable energy projects — solar farms, wind turbines, hydro — on behalf of their community. Members invest in the co-op and receive a return, while profits above that are directed to community benefit.
How It Works
Members buy shares in the co-op, which funds the development of renewable generation. Once operational, the co-op sells energy and returns a modest dividend to investors. Surplus above this is distributed as community benefit grants to local causes.
Legal Structure
Energy co-ops typically register as IPS with FCA, sometimes as Companies Limited by Guarantee. Community shares (with a maximum investment cap per person) are the main funding mechanism and are covered by FCA exemptions for community share offers.
Energy Co-ops in the UK
Bay Energy Co-op
Barrow-in-Furness, England
Bay Energy is a community energy co-operative in Cumbria that develops and operates renewable energy projects including …
Co Energy Co-operative
Dundee, Scotland
Co Energy is a Scottish community energy co-operative developing solar and wind projects across Tayside, with a focus on…
Renewable Energies Wales Co-op
Pontypridd, Wales
Renewable Energies Wales is a community energy co-operative developing rooftop solar on community buildings across South…
FeaturedPlymouth Energy Community
Plymouth, England
Plymouth Energy Community (PEC) is a community benefit society developing rooftop solar on schools and community buildin…
Torrs Hydro New Mills
New Mills, Derbyshire, England
Torrs Hydro is a community-owned hydroelectric scheme on the River Goyt in New Mills, Derbyshire. The Archimedean screw …
Brighton & Hove Energy Co-op
Brighton, England
Brighton & Hove Energy Co-operative develops community-owned solar PV installations on schools, community centres, and b…
Bristol Energy Co-operative
Bristol, England
Bristol Energy Co-operative develops community-owned renewable energy projects and uses surplus income to support fuel p…
Low Carbon Hub
Oxford, England
Low Carbon Hub is a social enterprise and community benefit society that develops renewable energy and energy innovation…
Egni Co-op
Swansea, Wales
Egni Co-op develops rooftop solar installations on schools, community buildings, and public sites across Wales, funded t…
Repowering London
London, England
Repowering London supports community-owned renewable energy projects on estates and public buildings, pairing solar gene…