Empowering Local Energy Workshop

Image showing CO2Sense and UK100 joint event

On Monday 12th May, CO2Sense partnered with UK100 to co-host the Empowering Local Energy workshop at Sheffield’s Workstation. The event brought together local authorities, community energy organisations and finance experts for a day focused on practical solutions.

This event was part of CO2Sense’s continued work to accelerate community energy projects and ensure the transition to net zero delivers long-term benefits for communities across the UK.

A Day of Collaboration and Practical Action

The workshop created space for honest conversations about what’s working, where the challenges lie and how policy and finance need to evolve to unlock the potential of renewable energy across Northern England.

Delegates heard a range of case studies showing how community-led energy initiatives can reduce carbon emissions while generating real economic benefits for local people and places.

Key Insights from the Workshop

Finance that works for places
Speakers Hugh Goulbourne (Director, CO2Sense), Helen Seagrave (Director of Local Energy, Great British Energy), William Stewart (Director of Investment, Climate Change and Planning, Sheffield City Council), and Thomas Day (Head of Energy and Low Carbon, Essex County Council) shared practical insights on financing community-led projects and developing localised energy systems that drive resilience and inclusive growth.

Policy changes to unlock community potential
Delegates highlighted the need to reform the Community Energy EIS and SEIS schemes. These changes would better support projects in towns like Grimsby and Barnsley — rather than primarily benefiting high-income innovation hubs.

Fairer energy costs for local people
There was strong support for exploring locational energy tariffs, which would help households under financial pressure benefit from nearby renewable energy sources. Attendees encouraged GB Energy and the government to move at pace on this.

Removing legal barriers to local partnerships
Attendees called for the creation of standardised legal templates — similar to JCT or NEC contracts — to make it easier for local energy groups to collaborate with schools and public sector organisations.

One message came through clearly: local leadership must be central to the net zero transition. Those rooted in their communities understand what’s needed and how to make it happen.

Stay connected with CO2Sense for updates on how we’re driving community-led renewable energy solutions by following us on LinkedIn

Find out how you could profit by working with CO2Sense

CO2Sense can help you with bridge loans, match funding for community shares and medium-term loans for your renewable energy projects.

Contact us today on talk2us@co2sense.co.uk