Regen explored smart, local solutions to electricity grid constraints in rural areas as part of Rural Energy and Community Heat (REACH), a Strategic Innovation Fund project led by National Grid Electricity Distribution. Following a Discovery phase last year, in which we engaged 70 community energy organisations, the Alpha phase partnered with seven groups to establish whether the REACH solution would work. Working closely with these groups revealed some fundamental engagement principles to apply when innovating alongside communities.
As the energy transition accelerates, we anticipate that network operators may struggle to reinforce infrastructure fast enough. This is likely to affect rural communities more, where communities are more dispersed and situated at the end of the line.
Testing smart, local solutions
During the Alpha phase of REACH, we partnered with seven rural community energy groups to explore innovative ways to manage and reduce demand on the grid. With the support of National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), we carried out detailed network modelling to:
Forecast when local electricity networks are likely to hit capacity
Test Passiv’s smart heat control technology to reduce peak heat demand
Evaluate how VEPOD’s modular energy centre could help manage residual grid constraints.
These solutions showed real promise. However, in-depth analysis revealed that network reinforcement may arrive sooner than previously expected, reducing the immediate need for alternative approaches in the seven pilot communities. This is good news for them, but it also means we need to identify a new location where grid constraints are more urgent to test these technologies in action. (Feasibility studies for Awel Aman Tawe and Bigbury Net Zero are available for download.)
Community engagement: what we learned
Regen led on community engagement throughout the Alpha project, acting as the key link between technical partners and local energy groups. We learned a great deal about how to work well with communities – a crucial aspect for anyone looking to trial energy innovations at the local level.
Four critical success factors emerged:
Transparency and communication: Open, honest dialogue about project potential, limitations and outcomes help build trust
Appropriate contractual frameworks: Simplified agreements tailored to community needs will facilitate more productive partnerships
Fair compensation: Recognising the professional standing of community energy organisations requires appropriate remuneration for their expertise and time
Value of intermediaries: Having dedicated partners to bridge technical and community perspectives enables effective communication and expectation management.
Beyond the seven pilot communities, we engaged the wider sector through:
Two events attended by more than 200 stakeholders
Interviews with 10 additional community groups to explore broader interest in the REACH approach.
The findings report revealed useful information about current approaches to rolling out heat pumps and EV chargers in rural communities and their appetite to develop and own new assets, such as batteries and renewable generation.
What’s next?
The REACH team is now reviewing whether conditions are right to move to the Beta phase, where we’d deploy and test solutions in a suitable community. If we do proceed, we’ll build on everything we’ve learned, from the technical feasibility work to the invaluable insights from community collaboration.
To discuss this area of Regen's work, please reach out to our head of innovation, Tamar Bourne.
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Earlier this year Regen published a best-practice guide to community engagement for renewable energy and storage projects. Developed with members of our planning working group, the guide offers practical advice and examples to support meaningful and effective community engagement at every stage of a project.
