Holy Island Community Energy and Energy Efficiency Feasibility Study was a low carbon project run by Holy Island 2050 (HI2050). The project is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the North East Combined Authority Investment Fund with the North East Combined Authority as the Lead Authority. The study was undertaken by Scene between October 2024 – February 2025 to understand the feasibility of community-led and owned energy systems on Holy Island and supporting energy efficiency and low carbon electricity generation measures.
The study identified two development projects for HI2050 to progress:
• A community-based programme of energy efficiency works to support engagement and survey work to better understand energy demand for individual buildings and identify appropriate measures and combinations of measures to improve energy performance and reduce running costs and carbon emissions.
• Chare Ends solar charging: comprising a ground-mount solar photovoltaic (PV) array, battery energy storage system (BESS) and electric vehicle (EV) charging. The optimised configuration from this feasibility stage is proposed at 543 kWp Solar PV, a 543 kWh BESS and 10 x 22kW fast EV chargers.
The study will play a significant part in meeting HI2050's vision, reducing energy costs for individuals and generating revenues for the community; helping decarbonise buildings and transport; while respecting the cultural and natural heritage which make the place an attractive place to live and visit.