In 25/26, Scene conducted a feasibility study of establishing a community-led energy system across Shepreth Parish in South Cambridgeshire. This study saw the detailed appraisal of a number of low carbon heating and electricity generation opportunities, including rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV, wind turbines, and centralised district heat networks to provide communal heating. The study, funded by the UK Government's Great British Energy Community Fund, assessed how community-owned and led energy developments can generate benefit to the residents of Shepreth Parish by reducing energy bills and carbon emissions, while creating income streams to support community-driven initiatives.
Following the technical appraisal, a financial and environmental assessment allowed Scene to establish each scenario's true viability. The conclusion of the study saw the identification and recommendation of two ground-mounted solar development scenarios as technically and financially viable, offering the opportunity to generate over £1m in profit per development for community benefit. A Shepreth-led domestic decarbonisation scheme was also recommended, where community-driven actions such as energy cafes, awareness events, and home assessments could enable comprehensive energy efficiency measures and unlock significant savings in household energy bills and carbon emissions.