Power to the People: The History of Community Energy

How community energy began

We’ve already spoken about what community energy is as a way to channel profits from renewable generation into community schemes, but who came up with it and were they a genius or a rebel…or perhaps a bit of both?

The first community energy project was set up in 1997—the same year Tony Blair won by a landslide, Harry Potter was published, and The Spice Girls dominated the charts. Of course, all of these events were overshadowed by Baywind Energy Co-operatives' pioneering move to raise £2 million through share offers to purchase five wind turbines, creating the UK’s first community-owned wind farm.

This idea of shared ownership, although new to the UK, was inspired by similar cooperative models in Denmark and set the foundation for the community energy movement, pulling back the curtain to show that normal people could own and benefit from renewable energy projects.

For almost two decades, Baywind Co-operative owned six turbines, until January 2016, when five of them were decommissioned to make way for two high-powered turbines belonging to Highwind Community Energy Co-operative…a true coming-of-age story.

Although Baywind sold its final remaining turbine in January 2020, the group is still going strong with rooftop solar installed on eight buildings in the Furness area, with buildings ranging from churches & schools to even rugby clubs. The profits from the projects have been spent in the most traditional community energy fashion, with most of it being spent on energy educational activities in the area…talk about a bright idea.

Helping community energy groups take their projects to the next level

Community energy got to where it is today through the support and resilience of everyday people. Over the years, the support for community energy has only ever been growing, but even now in 2025 we’re still hitting major milestones.

...the benefits of community energy are immense, and the proven results speak for themselves.

Sarah Dyke MP

A couple of weeks ago The Great British Energy Bill was amended to include community energy, which means that GB Energy, the state-owned company, will now support community energy initiatives, helping to grow projects that directly benefit local people & neighbourhoods.

...and this is exactly where Younity comes in! We’re proud to support the growth of the community energy sector across the UK. Whether your project needs funding, a bespoke Power Purchase Agreement, or access to volunteers, we’re here to help and guide you every step of the way!