Grant Funding from Great British Energy!
We are pleased to announce that we, together with Gloucestershire Community Energy Coop, have been awarded funding to progress the opportunity for shared ownership of Lightwood Solar Farm.
We will benefit from the Great British Energy Community Energy Fund via a grant to undertake a feasibility project progressing the potential for up to 20% shared ownership of Wiltshire-based Eden Renewables’ proposed solar farm in Awre, Forest of Dean. The South West Net Zero Hub awarded £36,835 in April 2026 for this important work, including specialist financial, technical, and legal advice.
Helen Jeffrey, Chair of Forest Community Energy says
“We are delighted to be able to move forward with this opportunity, encouraged and supported by the South West Net Zero Hub. It is fantastic to have a project of this type here in the Forest of Dean. We can help lead the way in demonstrating to the wider UK the benefits that shared ownership of green-energy infrastructure can bring to a local community.
Such benefits are sorely needed here where many households and businesses are struggling with the cost of oil and energy. Strong biodiversity improvements, and sheep grazing under the panels, are also fundamental to our support for the project.”
Peter Boait, Director of Gloucestershire Community Energy Coop says
“We look forward to working with Forest Community Energy and Eden Renewables to bring the benefits of participating in a large scale renewable energy project to the wider County.”
Up to 20% of the solar farm could be owned on behalf of the community generating significant community benefits over its 40-year life. This is in addition to a separate community and educational fund, index-linked, offered by Eden Renewables.
Our community energy groups look forward to learning from Zero North Wiltshire, a community benefit society that has received similar funding together with Bath and West Community Energy Coop, towards their shared-ownership of two solar farms, Red Barn and Forest Gate located in Wiltshire, both Eden Renewables projects expected to begin generating clean power in 2027.
Lightwood Solar Farm is currently in planning, with Forest of Dean District Council who are expected to make a decision later this year.
We, and Gloucestershire Community Energy Coop Ltd, welcome the increased government support to the community energy sector with the publishing of the Local Power Plan in February 2026. The Plan is backed by up to £1 billion to support local and community energy projects so communities can own and control their own energy, cutting bills and creating real local benefits.
The UK Government and Great British Energy’s joint Local Power Plan supports the biggest expansion of support for community-owned energy in British history to cut bills and build wealth in communities.
Gloucestershire Community Energy Coop - GCEC
The aims of the GCEC are to enable local communities and individuals to take part in exciting renewable energy schemes across the county, and to encourage energy saving initiatives. By installing solar panels on community buildings, and developing suitable sites for solar, wind, and hydro schemes, GCEC aims to give everyone in Gloucestershire a chance to benefit from low carbon, locally generated electricity.
Eden Renewables
Eden Renewables is a leading international developer of solar, wind and energy storage projects working in the UK, USA and South Africa.
Founded in 2017, Eden has consistently led the industry with its innovative, unique, sustainable approach to renewable energy developments. Eden is known for setting industry-leading standards on its solar farms for:
- Biodiversity and ecological enhancement
- Continuing agricultural use
- Community and educational benefits
- Shared or community ownership
