Community Energy Derbyshire
Together we can power a brighter future
Powering change.
DDCE hosts Community Energy Derbyshire – a network which connects and supports community energy groups across the county. CED helps volunteer-led groups collaborate, share knowledge, and develop sustainable local energy projects.
The CED Network (previously known as the Derbyshire Community Energy Hub) has been running since 2022. We began with seed funding from Derbyshire County Council, and have recently been awarded a grant from the Community Energy People project, enabling us to continue and expand our work.
CED provides local groups with opportunities for knowledge-sharing via bi-monthly Zoom meetings (6 per year), as well as in-person events. Each group has its own expertise, and members are encouraged to share their skills. DDCE’s Technical Lead, Dawn, offers advice on new installations.
As one voice, CED nurtures relationships with local and regional authorities – working collaboratively on powering up and powering down, and striving to improve the conditions to implement community energy initiatives. We input into Local Area Energy Plans and provide critical on-the-ground feedback to government and sector bodies. CED has forged a strong strategic relationship with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). Climate resilience and green growth are delivery priorities for EMCCA, and community energy is strongly supported by Mayor Claire Ward as an important mechanism for achieving their objectives.
In future, we plan to secure funding for a dedicated coordinator, expand our support and training offerings in renewable energy and decarbonisation, and design collaborative projects that create further engagement and action on community energy.
CED member groups
There are now 21 groups exploring community energy solutions in Derbyshire – possibly the most in any county in England!
To find your nearest group on a map, check out watts-where.
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Bakewell Climate Action are working on a number of projects such as: putting solar panels on schools, churches, factories, car parks and homes. Research is underway to create a new cycle way along the Derwent, opening up active travel between towns, parks, stately homes and villages along the way.
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Baslow Environment Group are a community group dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural environment of Baslow, a beautiful village nestled within the Peak District National Park. Here in Derbyshire, close to Sheffield and Chesterfield, we share a deep love for this special place and recognise the importance of safeguarding its beauty.
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The Belper Clusters Heritage Group aims to create connected communities, accessible to all, through a unique heritage project situated in an early example of mill housing developed during the industrial revolution.
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Belper Community Energy aim to promote the development of low-carbon renewable energy generation opportunities to community groups, businesses and other organisations in Belper and surrounding areas. Initially, we are facilitating the installation of solar panels.
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Not for profit and volunteer led, Birch Vale CIC is developing a support mechanism and will introduce a range of measures to help encourage a strong, resilient local energy system. Providing low cost, clean power and heat across the community.
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The Bonsall Energy Group is a group of people from Bonsall, Derbyshire dedicated to exploring how we (people in the village) might benefit from community-driven, alternative local energy sources.
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Brassington are currently undergoing feasibility studies for community energy.
They don’t currently have a website.
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The clue is in the name with this group! The Calver Weir Hydro Project is all about creating locally sourced energy from the River Derwent.
No website currently.
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Crich Parish Community Energy sprang from Transition Crich. In collaboration with CPRE Derbyshire, they have crafted a comprehensive community energy vision. This vision led to the establishment of a Community Business Society (CBS), designed to bring green energy solutions to Crich, Whatstandwell and Fritchley.
Join us in this exciting initiative and contribute to creating a sustainable energy future for our community.
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The Arkwright Society’s waterpower project reduces our carbon footprint by putting waterpower back into the heart of Cromford Mills. The industrial revolution started here using renewable waterpower, and so this project will return the site to its original renewable energy source, first harnessed 250 years ago.
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A project looking into the potential to reintroduce hydro power locally, using an archimedes screw.
No website yet but google the project and you’ll find lost of positive articles.
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Our core purpose is to help our local communities develop community energy projects. A social enterprise that
Reduces carbon emissions through renewable generation and energy efficiency
Keeps the money we spend on this energy within the local community and so benefits the local community.
Community energy refers to the delivery of community-led renewable energy, energy demand reduction and energy supply projects, whether wholly owned and/or controlled by communities or through partnership with commercial or public sector partners.
Explore our website more by using the menu bar or any of the buttons dotted around the site.
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Hope Valley Climate Action seeks to provide a local response to the global climate crisis we all face. Through our campaigns, advocacy and local projects we aim to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change and to make a positive difference to the future of the Hope Valley and beyond.
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Hope Valley Renewables is a member driven Community Benefit Society. Our goal is to develop sustainable renewable energy projects that reduce CO2 emissions within the Hope Valley.
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The MBDA-CIC's aim is to support community, business, tourism, heritage & the environment.
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To work with the local community to make Slaley & Healey parishes a fulfilling place to live by focussing on environmental sustainability. Typically, but not exclusively, this will be by helping people reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, reduce excess waste, improve the visual impact of the area and increase their appreciation for the local environment and flora and fauna.
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Our vision is for a locally independent energy system, with its own generating and transmission capacity.
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Our aim is to become carbon literate and to support Tideswell and District in becoming a low carbon community.
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Transition Buxton is a group of local people concerned about the environment working to improve our community’s resilience through practical actions and projects.
The groups are working on a range of different projects. Many focus on renewable electricity generation via solar, wind or hydro power; some focus on low-carbon heating systems, such as district heat networks; and others focus on energy efficiency and retrofitting, particularly for households in rural or fuel-poor areas.
Several groups have run CEF-funded projects. Curious? Click on their websites to learn more!
CED Steering Group
CED’s steering group comprises members from the community, energy and charitable sectors, and provides grounded governance and advocacy for community energy & the net zero agenda.
John Beardmore
Brian Saunders
Headshots coming soon!
Ian Bowns
Emma Simpson
Andy Douglass
Join an event
CED hosts a range of events throughout the year. We hold regular meetings where we share ideas, invite expert speakers and of course enjoy some tea and cake! We also support public consultations, and host workshops and training sessions.
Get in touch
Email us on hub@ddce.org.uk
Join the CED Facebook group: