This project, funded by the North East & Yorkshire Net Zero Hub (NEYNZH), delivered a structured programme of five targeted community energy workshops designed to build capability and accelerate project development. The purpose was to equip community groups with the knowledge, tools and confidence to progress projects and access NEYNZH support and funding.
The programme comprised five themed workshops:
(1) Project Development and Management, covering idea generation, feasibility stages and community engagement;
(2) Low Carbon Technologies, exploring solar, heat pumps, heat networks and suitability assessment;
(3) The Connections Process, providing practical guidance on grid constraints, connection types and DNO engagement;
(4) Governance and Procurement, outlining legal structures, risk allocation and supplier selection; and
(5) Commercial Case Development, focused on business planning, financial modelling and the HM Treasury 5-case model. Each session combined expert presentations with interactive discussions, enabling participants to apply learning to their own projects.
Key issues raised included challenges in securing community buy-in, navigating grid capacity and costs, selecting appropriate governance models, and developing investable financial cases. Over 80 participants attended, with strong engagement across all sessions. Outcomes were highly positive: communities reported increased confidence, clearer delivery pathways, and improved readiness to access NEYNZH funding, strengthening the pipeline of viable, community-led energy projects.