Plugging in – Connecting People to the Power of Community Renewable Energy

Free, in-person training event focused on scaling up community renewable energy across Cornwall
Community Energy Getty Image
 

  • 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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Join us for an empowering day, where we’ll explore how community-led renewable energy projects can deliver unparalleled social, environmental, and economic benefits right here in our region.
Delivered in collaboration with Net Zero Hub, this is your opportunity to gain practical insights, connect with others, and explore the growing support and funding available to help bring your rooftop solar ambitions to life – whether you're already generating or just getting started.

Why attend?

The UK government has committed to scaling up community energy generation from 500MW to 8GW by 2030 – a 16-fold increase in just five years (Community Energy England). This presents a major opportunity for communities and businesses in Cornwall to lead the way in local, clean energy. Cornwall has a significant opportunity to scale up the involvement of community groups in the development of renewable energy proposals, and funding and support is set to increase.
This event is designed to build capacity and strengthen the regional support network needed to deliver that ambition. We’ll walk you through the practical steps for delivering successful community energy projects, focusing on roof-top solar, highlight available funding, and help you connect with key organisations and individuals driving change.
Spaces are limited — 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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What you’ll learn

  • State of the Sector: Understand the national and regional picture, from Great British Energy to Local Area Energy Plans.
  • Expert Guidance and Practical Insights: Learn from industry experts and successful community energy groups about creating and managing community energy schemes, and gain practical insights through interactive workshops and breakout sessions.
  • Unlock Funding and Support: Discover the growing funding opportunities and support available for community energy projects, including early project development and feasibility funding, to help turn your vision into reality.
  • Collaborative Networking: Connect with community organisations, businesses, public sector bodies, and commercial developers to explore partnerships, share knowledge, and collaborate on innovative renewable energy projects that maximise social value. Community energy empowers local communities to take democratic control over their energy future, enhancing energy awareness and literacy.

Organisations speaking

 

Who is this for?

  • Community Energy Groups – Already generating and looking for your next project? Learn about new funding streams and support options.
  • Community Organisations or Local Businesses – Have access to a roof but need help getting started? We’ll show you how.
  • Commercial Developers and Private Sector – Explore shared ownership models and discover how businesses, from SMEs to industrial estate managers, 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.

Key details

  • Refreshments: Delicious complimentary lunch and refreshments included.
  • Eligibility: This course 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
  • Course fee: Free
  • Deadline for applications: Tuesday 2 October 2025
  • To apply: Simply fill out the expression of interest form or contact greenskills@plymouth.ac.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.
 

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 increase 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.

Future is Green

The 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.