BBRC are finalists at the 2022 Community Energy England Community Energy Awards

Bristol & Bath Regional Capital are delighted to be a finalists alongside Thrive Renewables & Ambition Community Energy CIC, at the 2022 Community Energy England Community Energy Awards.

We’re shortlisted in the ‘Finance and Innovation’ category for community energy organisations or funders that have achieved significant impact in community energy through a range of financial mechanisms, including: grant funding, debt finance, community shares, funding platforms or new funding models. 

Soon to be England’s largest onshore wind turbine, we’re incredibly proud to have played a part to get this landmark renewable energy project off the ground, through our City Funds investment in Ambition Community Energy – a subsidiary of Ambition Lawrence Weston.

Ambition Lawrence Weston (ALW) is a resident-driven organisation striving to make Lawrence Weston a better place to live. The area sits within the highest 10% of deprivation levels in England, according to the Indices of Multiple Deprivation.

As part of the local community plan, ALW formed Ambition Community Energy (ACE) to build a 4.2 MW community-owned wind turbine.

Erected on Bristol City Council-owned scrubland between Severn Beach and Avonmouth, the Lawrence Weston turbine will be the largest onshore turbine in England.

Selling energy to the grid, the turbine will bring valuable surpluses for community use. It will generate income for the community, create green jobs and alleviate fuel poverty.

This, in addition to almost 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions it will save over its lifetime, which is enough clean energy for about 3,000 homes—roughly equivalent to Lawrence Weston’s domestic use.

The City Funds investment totalling £750k to date, plus £150k from Power to Change, has provided leverage for £5m further investment from Thrive Renewables, Bristol City Council, private investors and grant funding from West of England Combined Authority.

All profits from electricity sales will be reinvested back into the area.

Congratulations to all involved.

See all the shortlisted finalists here.

Book tickets for Community Energy Awards on 20th January 2023 here.