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Community Energy under the policy spotlight: Reflections from a year's secondment
Abstract
In 2024, the newly elected Labour Government pledged to "make Britain a clean energy superpower", putting Ed Miliband at the helm as Secretary of State for the Dept. Energy Security & Net Zero. With this, came a renewed policy interest for Community Energy. But what has happened in that time, and are Community Energy organisations in a better position for it? This seminar will reflect on a year's secondment to DESNZ and Great British Energy, as well as considering what the Community Energy landscape looks like as a result, and what opportunities there are moving forward.
Bio:
Isabella Hawkes is a PhD researcher at the University of Exeter, with a background in public engagement that spans conservation, arts and community energy. Isabella is interested in how deliberative methods can be used by communities, and their impact for informing decision-making at different scales. Her research interests include science & technology studies, deliberative and creative engagement, community organising, and just energy transitions. She is currently a Commissioner for the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Climate Commission as well as a collaborator for Cornwall's Local Area Energy Plan - Community Conversations. Most recently, Isabella completed a secondment to the Dept of Energy Security and Net Zero and Great British Energy establishing their 'Local' function, focusing on Community Energy, Benefits and Shared Ownership.