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GECCO is exploring a new way for community energy organisations to connect to the electricity network. This event brings together community energy organisations interested in the topic to share knowledge and insights gained so far, and to help shape the project's next steps.
What we’re trying to do
Many renewable energy generation projects, including community-led ones, face barriers to connecting to electricity networks, often due to limited network capacity and the high cost of the reinforcement needed to accommodate them.
The Geoprint for Energy Club Connections and Operations (GECCO) project is an innovation project exploring whether Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) could offer a bespoke type of connection - a "Geoprint" - to generation projects connected to an Energy Club, where the electricity generated is matched with demand from club members. This could reduce the amount of electricity that needs to flow out to the wider network, potentially enabling faster, cheaper connections.
This project won't just test whether the idea works technically - it will also test whether it's realistic from a regulatory and commercial perspective.
GECCO is an innovation project funded through Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance (NIA), running from February 2026 to April 2027. You can learn more here.
What is an innovation project?
Innovation projects allow network operators to trial new approaches, technologies, and ways of working that could benefit network customers. These projects are explicitly about testing and learning - not every idea will prove viable. Regardless of the outcome, the findings are shared across the industry to inform future practice and regulation.
Project partners
GECCO is led by National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), working with Regen, TNEI and Energy Local.
The three community energy case study sites are Hook Norton Low Carbon, Totnes Renewable Energy Society and Llangattock Green Valleys.
The Electricity Storage Network Annual Conference is a platform for key industry players and policymakers to gather and debate what’s needed to attract and maintain the billions of pounds of investment required for this crucial asset class – from supportive policy and regulatory frameworks to shifting revenue strategies and evolving business models.
With over 5 GW of grid-scale battery storage operational and a 3 GW pipeline of new pumped hydro storage projects, plus other technologies in development, grid-scale electricity storage is established as key to a zero-carbon energy system – a testament to the success of our 100+ members.
And with an ambitious Clean Power 2030 action plan for accelerated clean power, against the backdrop of significant grid connection and market reform, and a long duration energy storage cap and floor scheme, the role of storage and flexibility is more important than ever.
At the ESN Annual Conference you’ll hear directly from our members and key decision makers from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator on the latest changes across a range of topics critical to the storage sector, including Clean Power 2030, the revenue environment, long duration energy storage, grid connection reform and fire safety.
This is also an opportunity to learn about the ESN’s work to ensure policy, markets and regulation are geared to enable the storage sector to flourish and grow at the pace and scale required while networking with 300+ industry leaders in central London.
GECCO is exploring a new way for community energy organisations to connect to the electricity network. This event brings together community energy organisations interested in the topic to share knowledge and insights gained so far, and to help shape the project's next steps.
What we’re trying to do
Many renewable energy generation projects, including community-led ones, face barriers to connecting to electricity networks, often due to limited network capacity and the high cost of the reinforcement needed to accommodate them.
The Geoprint for Energy Club Connections and Operations (GECCO) project is an innovation project exploring whether Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) could offer a bespoke type of connection - a "Geoprint" - to generation projects connected to an Energy Club, where the electricity generated is matched with demand from club members. This could reduce the amount of electricity that needs to flow out to the wider network, potentially enabling faster, cheaper connections.
This project won't just test whether the idea works technically - it will also test whether it's realistic from a regulatory and commercial perspective.
GECCO is an innovation project funded through Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance (NIA), running from February 2026 to April 2027. You can learn more here.
What is an innovation project?
Innovation projects allow network operators to trial new approaches, technologies, and ways of working that could benefit network customers. These projects are explicitly about testing and learning - not every idea will prove viable. Regardless of the outcome, the findings are shared across the industry to inform future practice and regulation.
Project partners
GECCO is led by National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), working with Regen, TNEI and Energy Local.
The three community energy case study sites are Hook Norton Low Carbon, Totnes Renewable Energy Society and Llangattock Green Valleys.
If you're not sure which membership option is best for you, reach out to our stakeholder manager, Hannah Stanley.
Contact Hannah
If you're not sure which membership option is best for you, reach out to Olly Frankland.
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The Electricity Storage Network is the industry group for electricity storage in Great Britain. Managed by Regen, it brings together more than 100 organisations and 500 industry professionals who are working to develop, operate and supply storage in the GB market.
Tamar champions Regen’s innovation work and supports the team to deliver impactful projects. With a wealth of experience in the energy sector leading pioneering projects, influencing national policy and supporting a range of clients, she’s passionate about finding new ways to address barriers to the net zero transition.
She helped shape the first national Smart Grid Vision and Roadmap in 2014, led one of the UK’s first domestic time of use tariff trials in 2015, produced the first joint Network Innovation Strategy in 2020, and contributed to the first national Energy Digitalisation Strategy in 2021.
Before joining Regen, Tamar worked in the sustainability sector. This included six years as a policy adviser to the government’s Sustainable Development Commission.
George plays a key role in Regen's support for community energy organisations and efforts to advance opportunities for localised energy solutions.
George leads work supporting Distribution Network Operators with the delivery of community energy engagement programmes – and leading Regen’s involvement with REACH (an innovation project funded by the Strategic Innovation Fund). George’s work also includes running online and in-person events, collating and writing quarterly newsletters and supporting the delivery of community energy funding.
George plays a significant role in the Devon Community Energy Network, supporting local community energy organisations in developing their expertise, sharing knowledge, and collaborating.
Before joining Regen, George studied sustainability at the University of Leeds and graduated in 2019. George’s previous professional experience has included working for a start-up energy supplier and a social housing provider.
A huge congratulations goes to all those shortlisted for the 2024 Green Energy Awards.
