Hampshire and Solent Community Energy Network
The Hampshire and Solent Community Energy Network launched in spring 2026 to bring together community organisations and local authorities interested in working on community energy generation projects. Since then, more than 20 community organisations and 10 local authorities have joined.
Community energy uses social enterprise, cooperative, and charitable business models to generate and supply renewable energy to create social, environmental, and financial benefits for local areas.
The Hampshire and Solent Community Energy Network helps organisations strengthen collaboration and partnerships, share learning, and provide opportunities to engage with support bodies such as Great British Energy and the Network’s funder, the South West Net Zero Hub.
Events
The Network’s online launch event welcomed 55 people in June 2026.
Fraser Stewart, Head of Local Energy Strategy for GB Energy, updated the group on the Government’s Local Power Plan, and attendees also heard about the free support available from Community Energy Go.
The next event will be held in-person on Wednesday, 9th September 2026 in Southampton. The session will include talks by local community energy organisations, and structured networking sessions.
The event will be a great opportunity to meet colleagues, hear how others have set up projects, and talk about the possibilities of collaboration.
Joining the Network
The Network is hosted by Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis (WinACC) and supported by us here at the Environment Centre (tEC).
If you’d like to join, please email Stuart Mills at Stuart.Mills@winacc.org.uk.
