Representing over a third of Britain’s community energy sector, it has become a leader in empowering local energy initiatives.
Through partnerships with more than 100 community-owned schemes and 300 agreements in place, Younity is generating renewable energy for over 60,000 homes. It has also enabled £4.4 million in bill savings since 2020 through energy efficiency initiatives.
Funding grassroots projects and enabling skills
Younity’s funding programmes, such as the ‘Community Energy Kickstart’ and ‘Powering Communities Fund’, have supported numerous projects, including:
- Bristol Energy Co-operative: Building the UK’s largest community-owned solar rooftop project.
- Awel Aman Tawe: Delivering educational resources on climate and behaviour change.
- Barnet Community Energy: Facilitating the creation of a new organisation with plans to install solar panels across Barnet.
Andy O’Brien, co-founder of Bristol Energy Co-operative, said: “We’re over the moon to have got such quick access to funds needed to build our latest solar community energy project.”
Dan McCallum, director of Awel Aman Tawe, added: “Schools are so keen to have access to good materials on climate and behaviour change – thank you to Younity for giving us this boost.”
Sarah, director of Barnet Community Energy, said: “I was introduced to a whole network of people working in community energy. With their support, this led me on a journey to starting ‘Community Energy Barnet’, with big ambitions to cover the rooftops of Barnet with solar panels. Thank you, Younity!”
Future growth in the Midlands and North
Younity is expanding its operations to the Midlands and North of England, aiming to double projects in these regions by 2030. This move aligns with the Labour government’s Local Power Plan, which aims to invest up to £1 billion annually in local energy schemes.
Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, said: “Younity has become the champion for community energy in such a short space of time. It’s amazing to see the positive impact these green energy projects have on so many people – and we’re looking forward to bringing these benefits to more parts of the country.”
Pete Westall, chief values officer for The Midcounties Co-operative, added: “The work Younity has done over the past five years has been exemplary and we’re proud to have supported it, alongside Octopus Energy, throughout that time.
“Community energy is a major way for this country to tackle fuel poverty in the areas most in need of support and we look forward to being a part of this journey for years to come.”
Image: Younity