Last month, the community energy group, Sustainable Energy 24 (SE24) launched its two largest energy projects at St Christopher’s Hospice and Dulwich College, writes Clara Gaspar…
To date, SE24 has installed nearly 200kW of solar panels across its five sites, including Herne Hill United Church and Herne Hill Methodist Church Hall, which have generated 75 MWh since autumn 2016, helping to avoid nearly 30 tonnes of CO2 output.
SE24 uses the funds that they raise to fit solar panels onto community buildings.
This provides partner buildings with energy at a lower rate and surplus energy is sold into the grid, from which the funds generated are used to repay the local investors.
SE24 have pledged that any remaining proceeds will fund projects to tackle fuel poverty or raise awareness about saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.
Ian Penistone, Head of Facilities and Estates at St Christopher’s Hospice said, “This project has been such a benefit for St Christopher’s. We get cheaper electricity which saves us money, we reduce CO2 emissions and yet we don’t have to spend a penny ourselves or go to our funders for help. It is a win-win for us.”
Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood commended SE24 on their work: “It is really fantastic to see this landmark moment in SE24’s work which I’ve been delighted to support. Congratulations to everyone on your commitment to deliver sustainable energy in our community in a policy environment which has at times been very challenging in recent years.
“I look forward to seeing you go from strength to strength and to doing whatever I can to support you so that we see many more solar panel installations across Dulwich and West Norwood and beyond.”
Across the UK, there are around 200 community energy groups. SE24 is one of the largest in the capital, with more than 200kW of installed capacity. Having recently received support from the GLA’s London Community Energy Fund, SE24 are already looking at future projects, including Walworth Methodist Church.
Alan Jones continued: ‘We hope to support local projects to tackle fuel poverty or raise awareness of sustainable energy. And we’re always on the look-out for future possible partners. So if you have a bright idea, or run a community building, do get in touch!’
For more information visit www.SE24.org.uk