Investing in community energy in the South Downs
The National Park Authority is investing in community-based renewable energy, including a range of new solar panels in the Brighton area.
The Authority recently invested £50,000 into Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-operative’s (BHESCo) 2026 Community Energy Share Offer.
So far BHESCo’s share offer has raised £150,000 from local residents and supporters further afield.
The funds raised are being used to deliver multiple innovative renewable energy projects in Sussex including:
- An in-roof solar PV installation at Dyke Golf Club, located within the South Downs National Park (pictured above)
- The installation of solar panels and battery storage systems at ten households in the Preston Park neighbourhood of Brighton as part of BHESCo’s “Solar Powered Communities” programme.
Together, these projects will generate clean, local electricity, reduce carbon emissions and help households and organisations protect themselves against future energy price volatility.
Chris Hannon, Business Development Lead for the National Park Authority, said: “We’re keen to boost energy resilience in the South Downs.
“By supporting BHESCo’s community energy projects there’s a real win win for climate and communities — generating clean power while ensuring the benefits of that transition are shared locally.”
Kayla Ente MBE, Founder and CEO of BHESCo, said: “We’re grateful for this support from the South Downs National Park Authority. It demonstrates the trust that respected local institutions place in community energy and the impact it can deliver.
“The SDNPA shares our commitment to protecting the natural environment, and we’re proud to be working towards many of the same goals.
“Their support sends a strong signal that community-owned renewable energy is a practical and effective way to build a cleaner, fairer and more resilient energy system.”