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Community Energy Project (CEP)

Background

We are seeking funding to undertake a comprehensive study to determine the viability of energy generation from a solar photovoltaic system that benefits the immediate community by reducing carbon emissions, alleviating fuel poverty and allows the community to be resilient against the energy market.
Potential  projects under review include a solar panel system on the roof of the Teversal Visitor Centre, reducing their monthly utility bills while excess energy generated might also be used to provide EV charging points in the Visitor Centre car park.
Another potential project would see the creation of a Residential Solar Club, providing rooftop solar panel systems to local residents, without the large initial cost normally required.
This project aims to establish a Community Energy Cooperative (or similar body). Our goal is to create a sustainable and affordable local energy supply through community investment.
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Feasibility Study

Latest News

The CEP Feasibility Study, undertaken by our consultants, Savi Energy, is now complete. The Conclusions and Recommendations can be seen below, whilst an Executive Summary can be found here, with the full 60 page report can be found here.
Conclusions
The feasibility study confirms that establishing a Community Energy Company (CEC) for Teversal, Stanton Hill & Skegby is both viable and strategically important. The study demonstrates that even at a small scale, community energy can deliver measurable benefits: lowering costs, reducing emissions, and creating new income streams that are reinvested locally.
The analysis highlights two clear pathways for the CEC:
Anchor project at the Visitor Centre
Providing immediate visibility, strong financial returns, and early community impact. The business case demonstrates robust performance, with short payback and IRR exceeding 16%, making this an ideal first step.
Solar Club pilot
Extending benefits directly to households through an accessible, community-owned model. While financially more modest, this initiative strengthens engagement, reduces household bills, and lays the foundation for wider-scale rollout.
Together, these projects will enable the CEC to build credibility, establish operating processes, and demonstrate how community energy can work in practice for Teversal, Stanton Hill & Skegby.
Recommendations
  1. Proceed to Stage 2 funding to secure investment for incorporation, detailed design, and procurement.
  2. Incorporate the CEC as a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society (CBS) or similar structure, ensuring transparency and reinvestment of profits.
  3. Prioritise delivery of the Visitor Centre project as the first anchor initiative, including rooftop solar, LED upgrades, and EV charging
  4. Launch a Solar Club pilot of 10–20 homes, with a view to scaling to 50+ homes once proof of concept is demonstrated.
  5. Develop a clear communications plan to build community awareness, trust, and participation, led by TSSF with support from Savi Energy.
  6. Plan for long-term growth, including larger-scale renewables, battery storage, and potential collaboration with Ashfield District Council on strategic energy projects.
Final Statement
This report provides a clear evidence base to show that a Community Energy Company for Teversal, Stanton Hill & Skegby is both achievable and beneficial. By starting small, demonstrating success, and reinvesting returns locally, the CEC can become a trusted vehicle for long-term community energy, delivering social, financial, and environmental benefit for years to come.
As agreed at the most recent Forum meeting, we will looking to obtain funding for Stage 2 of the project – detailed plans and full business case – when the next round of funding becomes available, currently expected in April 2026.
31st October 2025
Feasibility study completed and final report published
15th August 2025
Proposal for a Community Solar Club to install solar panels on roofs of residential properties is launched
22nd November 2024
The launch of the CEP feasibility study is announced
8th November 2024
The CEP working group and Forum management committee gave approval for the feasibility study to begin immediately
23rd October 2024
A presentation on the CEP project was given at the quarterly Neighbourhood Forum meeting
24th September 2024
The Forum's grant application to the Nottingham Net Zero Hub has been approved
10th September 2024
Forum submits grant application to Midlands Net Zero Hub for £40,000 for the cost of the feasibility study
30th August 2024
SAVI
selected as our preferred supplier to carry out the feasibility study
3rd July 2024
Community Energy Project discussed at Neighbourhood Forum quarterly meeting, which gives approval to proceed to the grant application stage
31st May 2024
Forum makes initial approach to Midlands Net Zero Hub regarding a Community Energy Project grant
26th April 2024
The Forum advises Ashfield D.C. that it is interested in applying for a feasibility study grant for a Community Energy Project