We’re delighted to announce that affiliate group Stroud Area Community Energy Network (SACEN) has secured funding to support an exciting year of activity, helping us take significant steps towards building a thriving community energy ecosystem in Stroud District.

With a major contribution from The National Lottery Community Fund, and generous support from organisations such as South West Net Zero Hub and Ecotricity, this funding will help boost our activity and deepen our impact across the district.

SACEN’s vision

SACEN’s vision is simple but ambitious: to create an ecosystem in which sustainable, community-owned energy thrives – and to ensure that no household or community is left behind in the transition to renewable energy. This funding allows us to focus on increasing both the number and scale of community-owned energy projects, while also raising awareness of how community energy works and why it matters.

What will SACEN do?​

Over the next year SACEN will be delivering a range of activities to support communities and unlock new projects, including –

• Hosting community energy info events across the district – get in touch if your community wants to host one of these, or if you have an event you’d like us to attend
• Engaging with councils and schools to see what can be done to secure more clean energy for our local public assets 
• Developing clear, accessible explainer materials to help more people understand what community energy is and how it can help
• Offering 1-2-1 support for new community energy ideas and giving early advice on viability and funding options
• Expanding our volunteer and membership network – why not sign up to be an Associate Member today

Solar remains our main focus, but we’ll also begin exploring other technologies like wind and heat networks, wherever there are willing sites and communities ready to engage.

Tackling local challenges​

We know there are real barriers to community energy in Stroud — from heritage restrictions and complex legislation to simply finding suitable sites and willing host communities. This programme is designed to actively address those challenges through collaboration, awareness-building, and stronger partnerships at every level.

Looking ahead

​Over the years, many groups have worked under the Transition Stroud umbrella to explore community energy, but this funding marks a significant step forward. We’ll be using this opportunity to strengthen SACEN’s structure and develop a long-term funding and business plan so we can keep going in the years to come too. 

With the impacts of climate change being felt more urgently year on year the need for rapid transition to clean energy has never been clearer. So SACEN will continue to work closely with communities across our region to ensure that the transition to renewable energy is fair, inclusive, and locally led.

If you’re interested in getting involved, partnering with us, or exploring a project in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Want to find out more? Head to SACEN’s website together-we-power.org or email us direct on hello@together-we-power.org

Get involved​

• Sign up as a SACEN Member for free – to get updates on SACEN trainings, events and peer support
• Have a rooftop in mind for solar? Complete our rooftop solar enquiry form so we can help work out what might be possible