Community Energy Pathways has been featured in a recent BBC News article exploring the growing debate around solar power in the South East. The piece, titled “Solar power: a bright idea or a blight on nature?”, highlights the tension between large-scale solar developments and locally owned community energy projects — and showcases our call for government action to unlock the full benefits of community power.
The BBC report sets out how solar is central to the government’s plan to generate enough clean electricity to meet Britain’s annual demand by 2030. But while mega-projects such as the Cleve Hill Solar Park near Faversham have faced opposition from residents worried about farmland and landscape impact, community-owned schemes are gaining support.
One example is Kent Community Energy, which reinvests profits from its solar farms back into schools, charities and local initiatives. Their model reflects what we at Community Energy Pathways champion: energy that doesn’t just cut carbon but also strengthens local communities.
Our Chief Executive, Ollie Pendered, was interviewed for the BBC piece. He explained:
“Local people could take ownership of these projects, harness community benefits, and mould them into what they want to see locally. But to do that, government needs to make it easier for residents to use the power produced by community schemes in their own homes. Keeping energy local lowers bills and makes complete sense.”
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero told the BBC that community projects are “at the heart” of the government’s 2030 clean power mission, but also acknowledged there is scope to better enable local energy markets.
For Community Energy Pathways, this recognition is a step forward — but more urgent action is needed to ensure community energy reaches its full potential. By giving people the ability to use power generated locally, we can make solar something everyone feels part of, not something imposed on communities.
You can read the full BBC News story here