10/03/2026

Community Energy in a Changing System: Empowering People and Places

This panel explores the evolving role of community energy within a more decentralised and flexible energy system, where energy storage is becoming increasingly critical. As the boundaries between community energy and wider local energy initiatives begin to blur, the discussion will examine what still defines genuine community ownership and why it matters. Panellists will consider how national bodies such as GB Energy, Ofgem and DESNZ can better enable community led projects through supportive regulation and policy frameworks. The session will also explore how community energy projects, including those integrating storage, can maximise social and economic value, from tackling fuel poverty to unlocking local investment and engagement.

Discussion Points:

How is community energy evolving in a more decentralised, flexible system, and how does it differ from wider “local energy” models?

As local generation increasingly integrates energy storage, are the boundaries between community and other local energy approaches blurring, or does community ownership still matter?

What role should GB Energy, Ofgem and DESNZ play in enabling community energy projects, including those using storage, to scale and provide system flexibility?

How can regulation better support grassroots innovation?

How can community energy projects maximise social and economic value, from tackling fuel poverty to unlocking local investment, engagement and resilience?