Welcome to the latest update from Neston Community Energy. Here’s what we’ve been up to, what’s coming next, and how you can get involved.
In this update:
- Leahurst solar & wind project
- Neston Energy Club — helping you cut your energy costs
- Clayhill Solar Farm — waiting on a government decision
- New partnerships with Neston Civic Hall and NCYC
- Out and about: village fair, family fun days
- Save the date: AGM, 23 September
Leahurst Solar & Wind Project
We’re exploring whether a community-owned solar and wind scheme could work at Leahurst —generating clean, local power while creating longer-term benefits for Neston. Right now we’re doing the groundwork: checking what’s technically possible, what the environmental impact would be, and whether the numbers stack up. We’ll share more as soon as we hit key milestones.
Neston Energy Club — Take Control of YourEnergy Costs
This is one of our most exciting projects, and one we want more of you involved in.
What is it?
The Energy Club will let local households and organisations access cheaper, locally-generated renewable electricity — instead of energy travelling miles across the national grid, you’d be buying power generated right here in Neston.
What we’re doing now:
- Signing people up to our interest list, so we know how many households want to take part
- Working out the best local site to generate the power
- Partnering with Energy Local, a not-for-profit that already runs similar clubs successfullyelsewhere in the UK (including Bridport and Totnes)
- Making sure the scheme works for everyone — including support and easier sign-up for households who might otherwise miss out
We are working with Helen Tandy from Eco Communities on this part of the project.
Why join the interest list now?
It costs nothing and doesn’t commit you to anything— but it helps us prove demand, which is essential for securing the funding and grid connections we need to get this off the ground. Click here to complete a survey
Clayhill Solar Farm
We’ve already completed a feasibility study into a solar farm at Clayhill. The next step depends on anational decision (known as “P441”) about how local power sites can connect to the electricity grid — a decision that’s currently out of our hands, sitting with the industry regulator. Once there’s clarity, we’ll know what’s possible here and can move forward. We’ll update you assoon as we hear.
New Partnerships: Solar on Neston Civic Hall and NCYC
We’re working with Neston Civic Hall and NCYC to look at putting solar panels on both buildings’ roofs, making use of spaces we already have to generate clean power, cut running costs for these community organisations, and show what community energy can do close to home. We’re still at the early stages, working through the technical and financial details, and will share more soon.
Out and About
We had a great time at Neston Village Fair and the Family Fun Day at NCYC, thank you to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, signed up as a member, or pledged support.
We’ll be at more events like this soon — let us know if you’d like to help out or an event that you would like us to attend.
Talking to Other Local Groups.
We’ve also started conversations with other organisations that manage public buildings and spaces inthe area, to see where we could team up on future solar projects. Sharing costs and effort across afew sites, rather than each going it alone, could mean bigger impact for everyone.
Save the Date: AGM & Supporters’ Meeting
When: Wednesday 23rd September, 7:00pm
Where: NCYC Burton Road Neston
All members, supporters, and anyone curious about our work are welcome.
- Members will hear the year’s statutory reports and vote on the running of the company,
- Everyone is welcome to stay for the open meeting afterwards to look ahead to the year to come.
Get Involved
Community energy only works with community support. Whether you’re a resident, a local business, or a community group, there are lots of ways to help — from joining the Energy Club interest list to volunteering at events. Together, we can build a cleaner, more locally-powered future for Neston.— Neston Community Energy
