In 2024, the Government created GB Energy as a way of empowering communities to generate, manage and benefit from their own renewable energy sources. By enabling local communities to take control of their energy futures, GB Energy is helping to build a cleaner, fairer, and more resilient energy network for Great Britain.
The Caker Stream Solar proposal represents an exciting opportunity for the local community. In line with the ambitions of GB Energy, we are partnering with a community energy group to offer local people the chance to invest in the solar farm.
We will also be discussing other direct benefits with the local community and councils.
For the Caker Stream Solar project, we are working closely with partner organisations:
Community Energy South supports a network of more than 50 community energy groups across England. Based in Lewes, East Sussex, it is very highly regarded in the sector and has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of community energy solutions and building capacity within the sector since 2013. Its role in the Caker Stream Solar project is to oversee and advise the local neighbourhood groups who will be investing in the solar farm.
Energise South Downs is a non-profit co-operative and Community Benefit Society, whose vision is to lead the transition from fossil fuels to community-owned renewable energy. Founded in July 2022 it has eight volunteer Board Directors who are highly skilled in the renewable energy sector. It now employs two personnel and is currently recruiting a further two staff members.
Energy Alton is a non-profit, award-winning Community Interest Company, providing energy and environmental advice and information to householders in Alton and surrounding villages since 2010, through its team of 20 volunteers. It has one permanent staff member in place and is in the process of recruiting another.
Energy Alton and Energise South Downs are working in partnership to develop significant community-owned, renewable energy capacity in the area and will be managing the local investment in the solar farm.
Shared ownership of renewable energy projects in the UK allows communities and commercial businesses to jointly benefit from renewable energy developments, such as wind and solar farms.
While this has been encouraged by the Scottish Government for wind farms for many years, its potential is only recently being realised in England’s solar sector. The Caker Stream Solar Project will be one of the first large-scale solar farms in the UK to offer shared community ownership.
Our innovative Shared Ownership model is intended to enable the local community to be able to invest in and own up to 10% of the solar farm, contributing to decisions about the project and benefiting directly from its performance. Shared Ownership and community energy projects empower people living in the area to take control of their energy futures and help keep more of the financial benefits of projects like this local. This enables communities to take tangible action on reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change.
