Action Renewables are excited to share new research that shines a much-needed light on the state of community energy across Northern Ireland. Completed by Robert Johnston, recipient of Action Renewables Energy Storage Scholarship for the year 2024/2025, as part of a postgraduate dissertation, this study offers a closer look at the opportunities and barriers shaping the sector locally.

Community energy has long been recognised across the UK for its environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Yet Northern Ireland has traditionally lagged behind, with fragmented support structures, limited recognition in policy and fewer projects at the grassroots, compared to England, Scotland and Wales. This research addresses that gap head‑on, building out a valuable evidence base that will support future policy development, targeted funding and community‑led action.

The dissertation explores:

• The current state of community energy in Northern Ireland, and the reasons behind its slower development
• Draws comparisons with the rest of the UK, where coordinated support and long‑standing funding support mechanisms have allowed a sector to thrive
• Local barriers, including policy gaps, limited funding opportunities, and a lack of guidance for communities
• Opportunities for growth, showcasing the range of benefits that could be unlocked through a more supportive framework
• Recommendations for the future, guided by interviews with leaders within the field and across the UK’s community energy networks

Acknowledgements

A special thanks goes out to our friends across the Energy Learning Network and local partners; whose time, expertise and insights helped to shape the research. Their openness and lived experience helped to highlight both the challenges and emerging opportunities to develop community energy even further here in Northern Ireland.

This research is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the sector, and the shared commitment towards building a cleaner, fairer energy future for our communities.

Be sure to head over to the Resources page on our website to explore the full dissertation