Energise
Bethan Wynton
Energise Barnsley is the largest local authority and community energy rooftop solar and battery storage project in the UK that’s successfully tackling climate change and fuel poverty while building a stronger community.
Launched in 2015, Energise Barnsley is on a mission to transition from a formerly coal-dependent community to a model of clean, community-owned energy that also generates strong social benefits. It is achieving this by installing solar panels on council-owned homes in the area, where over 10% of residents live in fuel poverty.
Residents enjoy cheaper energy bills, and 100% of the surplus profit from energy generation are invested back into the community via the Community Solar Fund.
I joined Energise Barnsley nearly 3 years ago and it has been an exciting journey already. I am passionate about the social and environmental impact our work has on areas that have experienced deprivation and would love to see the concept grow.
Combining the projects we’re currently launching and attending the Royal London Changemakers programme, I can see that the next year or so will be another learning curve for me and Energise Barnsley. I am really excited to take part in the programme and meet the other entrepreneurs on the programme.
Bethan Wynton, Project Manager at Energise Barnsley