In The UK, "Power To The People" Is Latest Clean Energy Trend - CleanTechnica

The UK government has announced a £1 billion investment to support community-owned clean energy projects as part of its strategy to increase local engagement and reduce opposition to renewable energy infrastructure. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized that this funding aims to democratize the energy system by enabling local communities to own and control clean energy assets, ensuring profits benefit the community rather than large energy companies. The initiative will fund solar, wind, hydro, and biomass projects across the UK, including Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and will be managed by GB Energy, a government-owned company focused on delivering cheaper and more secure electricity. The program plans to support around 1,000 projects through grants or loans and may allow communities and local councils to buy shares in larger private schemes. Projects are expected to include solar panels on public buildings and new wind farms, with profits reinvested locally to foster energy resilience and financial independence. This approach aims to address resistance to large-scale transmission infrastructure by ensuring rural communities see direct benefits from renewable