Shared ownership could give more communities a direct stake in the renewable energy projects being built around them. But despite long-standing policy ambition, it is still happening at limited scale.
Our Matchmaker innovation project, developed with National Grid Electricity Distribution and TPXimpact, has validated the need for a digital ‘front door’ to support developers and communities through the shared ownership process.
But finding the right partner is only part of the challenge. The research also points to the need for clear, consistent information and access to trusted, hands-on support to help projects move from opportunity to delivery.
Matchmaker was funded through the Strategic Innovation Fund, an Ofgem programme managed in partnership with Innovate UK.
Finding each other is only the start
Barriers arise throughout the shared ownership journey. Developers and communities can struggle to understand what is possible, find suitable partners, build trust, agree valuations, access finance and navigate the legal and commercial complexity of a project.
Through interviews with 19 developers, community energy organisations and support organisations, Matchmaker tested what an effective support service would need to provide. Three connected functions emerged: informing, matching and supporting.
The strongest proposition combines the reach and consistency of a digital service with human support. A digital front door could make opportunities easier to find, provide clearer information and create more consistent processes, while trusted advisers could help communities and developers with negotiation, finance and delivery.
National consistency, regional expertise
The research also found that the service would need impartial national coordination alongside regional organisations with local knowledge, relationships and established support networks. Rather than creating another layer of complexity, Matchmaker would need to connect and strengthen the support that already exists.
Subject to securing funding for the next phase, Matchmaker would move into prototyping and testing. This would explore how the service should work in practice, who should own and fund it, and whether greater shared ownership can help build public support for new energy infrastructure.
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