Ridge Clean Energy (RCE) has launched a pilot program aimed at helping a Cambridgeshire community cope with rising fuel costs as colder months approach.
The company will immediately distribute £15,000 from community benefit funding linked to its 50MW Six Oaks solar and battery project, which is still in the early development stage and not expected to begin construction until 2026.
RCE has encouraged other renewable energy developers to offer community support during the initial phases of their projects. “Our practice is to make meaningful contributions early in the development process, even before submitting planning applications,” said Daniela Jenkins, RCE's community partnership manager. “We have supported various community projects near Six Oaks and see this contribution to addressing fuel costs, with the help of local charities, as another way to show our commitment to the community.”
Chief executive Marjorie Glasgow noted the importance of renewable energy developers working with local communities as the industry pushes toward decarbonization. “We see current positive policy as helpful in this process and we see more opportunities for renewable project owners to take the lead on making benefits real for local people. We hope this pilot project will be replicated elsewhere,” she added.
