Community Energy in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

A training event to share insights, build connections, and explore funding to accelerate community-scale renewables in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
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Community Energy in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

A training event to share insights, build connections, and explore funding to accelerate community-scale renewables in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
 

  • Liskeard Library, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 6AB (easy access from Liskeard train station​ or find a ride or offer one at Liftshare.com)

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“Community energy is back on the table in the UK in a big way.”
   – Regen
Community Energy in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly builds on the success of the Plugging In event on 14 October 2025 and comes at a critical moment for the sector. Delivered in collaboration with key partners, the event will bring together community groups, local authorities, and sector experts to share insights, make connections, and explore the growing support and funding available to accelerate community-scale renewables in Cornwall.
The event is delivered in partnership with Cornwall Climate Action Network and Community Energy Plus, who are leading work to form a Community Energy Network for our region, with contributions from the South West Net Zero Hub and Cornwall Council. Together, they will explore national and regional ambitions, including the government's commitment to scale community energy from 500MW to 8GW by 2030, a 16-fold scale up in the next five years.
Community energy delivers environmental, financial, and social benefits, and our region has a significant opportunity to lead the way. With increasing funding and support, this event will help shape the next phase of community-led renewable energy projects across the county.
This event is one of four planned for 2026 that focus on community energy, including the development of a Community Energy Network in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Details of the follow-on events are listed below. 
Spaces are limited for this first Community Energy event in Liskeard — book your free place now and take the next step in powering up your community. 
This course is fully funded for organisations in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly through the Future is Green project.
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R Optional evening film screening

After this event, we’ll be hosting a screening of Power Station – a documentary following two artist activists who engage their neighbours to install solar panels on every house in their street, showing how local communities can come together around both energy generation and everyday energy use through creativity and collective action. You'll be able to indicate whether you'd like to attend when registering.

Key details

  • Refreshments: Delicious complimentary lunch and refreshments included.
  • Eligibility: This training event is available to employees of Cornwall or Isles of Scilly businesses, and is open to anyone interested in developing or supporting community scale renewable energy projects
  • Fee: Free 
  • Deadline for applications: Friday 20 February 2025
  • To apply: Register here or contact greenskills@plymouth.ac.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.
  • Access: Liskeard Library has lift access. It is a 15-minute walk, or a short bus or taxi ride, from Liskeard Train Station. A public car park is located nearby, and a park and ride is available with free parking, there is also a free car park at Liskeard Leisure Centre (15 minute walk away).

Agenda

  • Arrival, networking and lunch
  • Talks from guest speakers
  • Community Energy Network workshop 
    • "Creating a Community Energy Network for Cornwall and IOS" led by CEP and CCAN
  • Breakout sessions 
    • "How to be successful in funding bids" led by SW Net Zero Hub
    • "A new Local Plan for Cornwall – how to progress and influence in the development of the local plan to support the scale up of community energy" led by Cornwall Council
  • Optional Power Station screening and Q&A
 

Who is this for? 

Anyone interested in progressing and scaling community energy, including:
  • Community energy groups – Already generating and looking for your next project? Learn about new funding streams and support options.
  • Community organisations and local businesses – Have access to a roof but need help getting started? We'll show you how. This includes housing associations who could benefit from community-owned solar on their roofs, or who are interested in take-off from nearby community energy installations.
  • Public sector bodies – Local authorities, parish councils, and community venues (such as nurseries and sports clubs) looking to develop rooftop solar in collaboration with local communities. Learn how to partner with community energy groups to deliver shared local benefit. 
  • Commercial developers and private sector – Explore shared ownership models and discover how businesses, from SMEs to industrial park estate managers, tourism businesses including camping and caravanning sites, and commercial developers, can partner with communities to deliver solar and maximise social value.
  • Individuals – Want to get involved in community energy or start a group in your area? We'll help point the way.

Event themes

  • Strengthening the network: Upskilling, connecting, and organising to build a thriving community energy sector in Cornwall.
  • State of the sector: National and regional strategic aims for community renewables, from Great British Energy to Local Area Energy Plans.
  • Community energy how-to: Practical guidance and FAQs for developing community energy solar projects.
  • Funding and support: Early-stage project development and feasibility, including how the Net Zero Hub can support projects from initial scoping through to feasibility funding.
  • What next?: Exploring future opportunities beyond solar installations, including Energy Local, networks, and social value.
  • Installer expo: Meet installers and suppliers supporting community energy projects.
 

Why should you get involved in community energy?

  • Local economic growth: Profits from community energy projects are reinvested locally, supporting community initiatives and creating jobs.
  • Environmental impact: Community energy projects significantly reduce carbon emissions through increased renewable energy generation and better energy efficiency.
  • Social value: These projects foster community engagement, enhance energy literacy and can tackle energy poverty.
  • Innovation and efficiency: Community energy initiatives often pioneer innovative solutions, such as local grid networks and less attractive sites such as old landfills.​
  • Empowerment and control: Local communities gain democratic control over their energy future, ensuring accountability and place-based solutions.

Attendee organisations 

Future is Green  

Future is Green is a collaborative project that delivers skills development courses and programmes to individuals across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to support the development of skills needed for the future green economy.
The project is being delivered by the Net-Zero Exchange team, within the Sustainable Earth Institute at the University of Plymouth.
Meeting of the Net-Zero Exchange team at the Sustainability Hub
 
This course is part of the Future is Green project which is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund proactively supports delivery of the UK Government's five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK.
 
 

Event photography and video

Please be aware that some of the University of Plymouth's public events (both online and offline) may be attended by University staff, photographers and videographers, for capturing content to be used in University online and offline marketing and promotional materials, for example webpages, brochures or leaflets. If you, or a member of your group, do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please let a member of staff know.