Community Energy England (CEE) has published its 2025 State of the Sector report, the most comprehensive review of community energy activity across the UK. Developed in partnership with Community Energy Wales and Community Energy Scotland, the report provides essential insights into the scale, impact and future potential of the sector.
Why It Matters
The report offers robust evidence to support policy development, investment and collaboration. It helps community energy organisations, local authorities and national stakeholders understand the sector’s contribution to climate action, energy resilience and social equity.
The 2025 edition draws on data submitted by over 400 community energy groups, building a clear picture of the sector’s achievements and challenges. It highlights the growing role of local energy initiatives in delivering clean power, reducing fuel poverty and strengthening communities.
Key facts and figures
- Total community energy capacity: 349 MW across the UK, with 92% from solar PV
- Carbon savings: Estimated 133,000 tonnes of CO₂ avoided in 2024
- Community benefit funds: £3.6 million distributed in 2024
- Volunteer engagement: Over 3,000 volunteers involved in community energy projects
- Energy efficiency and retrofit: 60 organisations active in retrofit and advice services
- Education and outreach: 100+ groups delivering energy education and awareness programmes
Recommendations from the report
To unlock the full potential of community energy, CEE calls for:
- Supportive policy frameworks: Including a national Community Energy Strategy and local authority mandates to collaborate with community groups
- Access to the grid: Reforming grid connection processes and prioritising community-led projects
- Long-term funding: Establishing stable, multi-year funding for development and innovation
- Fair market access: Enabling community energy to participate in energy markets and flexibility services
- Data transparency: Improving access to energy data to support planning and delivery
Ongoing Data Collection
CEE’s data portal remains open, allowing organisations to update or add new projects as they become active. This ensures the sector’s story continues to evolve and reflect real-time developments. You can access the data portal and find registration details here.
National Community Energy Map
All submitted data feeds into the National Community Energy Map, a powerful tool for visualising the reach and diversity of community energy across the UK. Get on the map here.
Download the full 2025 State of the Sector report here
For more information and to contribute data, visit the Community Energy England website.