Local energy

The Greater South East Net Zero Hub supports public sector organisations and their stakeholders to accelerate local renewable power-generating projects.

We do this by providing free advice and support for all stages of project development. This includes helping you to examine the opportunities and risks of your project idea, consider the technical issues of its development, produce a business case and identify options for financing. If you need help, please contact us to explore how we could support you.

Greater South East Net Zero Hub – Wind turbines and solar panels

Supporting local energy projects

We support local energy projects by helping shape robust designs, secure funding, and build strong business cases. It connects stakeholders, advises on market access and procurement, and provides tailored data guidance and tools. Alongside this, it offers expert investment insight, resources, and best practice to help projects succeed.

Examples of the technologies we support can be found below.

Solar photovoltaic (PV)

The benefits of this form of renewable energy, its technology and its business case, are well-tried and well-tested in the public sector. If your organisation has not previously undertaken a renewable energy generation project, this is a good starting point.

Solar PV facilities can be developed at wide range of scale, generating capacity and capital cost. They have been widely used by all types of local authority and public sector organisations to help meet local energy targets, generate income and bring benefit to communities.

Onshore wind

The current policy environment for onshore wind is evolving.

There may also be opportunity for local authorities to work in partnership with community energy groups who have initiated such projects, and support them during the planning process and with funding.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS)

A storage system enables energy from renewable systems to be banked when an excess of power is generated and then released when the power is needed most, whether for self-use, for export to another party, or to the local electricity grid network.

A variety of BESS technologies are available, they can be used with any type of renewable generating technology and at any scale of local energy generation.

Connecting to the network

Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are the organisations that own and control the electricity distribution network, connecting generators, suppliers, energy users and consumers. Those wishing to develop a local power generation project must engage with their local DNO about connecting their facility to the grid. DNOs are also keen to support local authorities with their clean energy ambitions and local area energy planning.

DNOs operating in the Greater South East Net Zero Hub include:

We can help to facilitate an early conversation with your local Distribution Network Operator to establish the viability of your project idea, or to help overcome an issue with grid constraint that has arisen during your project’s development.