News - Page 2
We've hit our target early, but we want to go further!
We’re thrilled to share that the Community Energy Fund share offer surpassed its initial £500,000 target. Thank you to everyone who has invested. All funds will be used for a genuinely groundbreaking project: the first community-owned battery storage project. But we’re not stopping there. The offer remains open for over-raising up to £1.2 million, and […]
Match funding will double the next £60k of investment
We have some exciting news: two organisations have stepped up to provide £60,000 in match funding to back our Ray Valley Solar battery share offer. We Have the POWER have contributed £30,000, and another institutional funder has committed a further £30,000. This means the next £60,000 invested will be matched pound for pound, instantly doubling […]
Have your say: Take part in the live consultation on community benefit and shared ownership for energy projects in Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire County Council has launched a public consultation on a new draft policy for community benefit contributions and shared ownership of clean energy projects and we’re asking everyone in our community to take part. The policy, developed in partnership with community energy groups including Low Carbon Hub, and with input from other key organisations like council officers, parish councils and landowners, sets out how developers […]
Bigger small grants for our community groups
Our small grants for community groups just got better. Apply with a simpler online form and a wider scope of activities that can be funded.
The fuel that never runs out
The case for renewable energy just got a lot stronger. Here's why British sunshine matters more than ever.
Solar farms and wildlife
Fields of solar panels and wildflower meadows – it sounds unlikely. But the evidence tells a more interesting story – one that's worth considering.
Our energy support for organisations in Oxfordshire
We’ve now supported over 500 Oxfordshire organisations with fully-funded energy assessments, and delivered over £125,000 in match-funding towards energy efficiency upgrades in the last financial year. Managing premises for a small business, charity or community can be costly, confusing and seriously time-consuming. Because of this, energy usage might not always be at the top of […]
Small community grants 2025-26
A small grant from Low Carbon Hub can go a long way – from thermal imaging campaigns to fashion shows, EV charging upgrades to repair cafes. Here's how fifteen Oxfordshire community groups are putting their 2025–26 grants to work.
Why battery storage is the next step for community energy
Battery storage is the next frontier for community energy. Here's what we learned building the case for a 3MW battery at Ray Valley Solar – and why the timing matters.
Inside our grid battery project
What does a grid-scale battery actually look like on the ground? This post takes a detailed look inside the 3MW / 12MWh battery planned for Ray Valley Solar – explaining how it works, what equipment is being installed, and why those engineering choices matter for performance and long-term returns.
Community benefit from renewable energy
As the UK builds renewables at pace, who actually benefits? Our second Community Energy Insights webinar of 2026 explored what meaningful community benefit looks like in practice – and why the window to act in Oxfordshire is right now.-
How battery storage makes solar work better
Ray Valley Solar, the UK’s largest community-owned solar park, is adding a 3MW / 12MWh battery to reduce curtailment, shift electricity to peak demand, and increase long-term community benefit in Oxfordshire.