New community energy project will help local homes and businesses reduce energy costs
Thames Head Energy, a community energy social enterprise, has successfully raised £16,331 through Crowdfund Cotswold.
The innovative new project will spearhead a community energy project to help residents reduce costs and improve their carbon footprint. The project aims to provide solar generation across rooftops in the project area with over 100 homes already signed up to bulk buy solar generation and EV chargers.
Cllr Joe Harris, Leader of Cotswold District Council, said: “This is a fantastic project that will help residents in Somerford Keynes and the surrounding areas to bring down energy costs and reduce their carbon impact. This Council is committed to tackling the climate emergency so it's encouraging to see local communities come together and deliver innovative new projects like this.”
Starting in the Parish of Somerford Keynes, the community energy project will include communities in the village, Shorncote, and the Lower Mill Estate, with Kemble and Ewen to be included in the future. The community energy project is also hoping to expand by welcoming other communities to cooperate in the scheme.
Mike McKeown, Director of Thames Head Energy, said: “We are thrilled to have raised the funds for our project so quickly on Crowdfund Cotswold. We had fantastic support with over 50 individual and local company donations, which helped us win confidence and funding from Cotswold District Council, Lower Mill Estate Homeowners Association, Somerford Keynes Parish Council, and the Lower Mill Estate.
“The funding will enable Thames Head Energy, our community social enterprise, to help local homes and businesses reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint while generating money for the community.
“This has all been made possible by the hard work of our eighteen wonderful community energy champions.”
Looking ahead, the project aims to formally set up Thames Head Energy as a Community Social Enterprise and fund a formal options appraisal and feasibility plan for a solar farm.
Cotswold District Council has pledged £7,400 towards the Thames Head Energy project in the latest round of Crowdfund Cotswold. The project was met with resounding support as it closely fits with the Council’s priorities for tackling the climate emergency.
To learn more about this project, visit thamesheadenergy.org.
If you are interested in raising funds for your own ideas, you can start today by visiting Crowdfund Cotswold and creating your own project page.