Attendees will also hear about the exciting Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Solar and Battery Assisted Communities (SATBAC) initiative, which is exploring how solar panels and battery storage could help community buildings reduce energy costs, improve resilience and cut carbon emissions.

Community energy is now an essential part of making communities more resilient in the face of climate change and cost of living rises, as well as being integral to implementing UK government strategy in decarbonising the electricity grid.

The conference’s morning session will focus on community energy in general, with speakers from success stories across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, including Twemlows 10MW solar farm near Whitchurch.

The afternoon session will focus on a new project aiming to install solar and batteries at community buildings and village halls in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.

You can sign up for the forthcoming conference here.

Sarah Marston, portfolio holder for communities and environment, said:

“SATBAC is an exciting opportunity to explore how community-led energy solutions could help reduce energy costs, strengthen local resilience and support our climate ambitions.

“By working in partnership with communities and local organisations, we can investigate practical ways to keep more of the benefits of local energy within our towns and villages while helping to build stronger and more resilient communities for the future.”

The event is open to all who are interested in community energy and people involved in groups or community buildings in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin – you can come for the morning or afternoon or both.

Coffee and tea will be served from 9.30am, with tours of the Twemlows Solar Farm before and after the event.

Lunch will be provided by Shropshire Food Hub.

Pick-ups can be arranged from Whitchurch station for those who wish to come by train.

Please note, the conference room is on the first floor, accessible by a flight of stairs only. There is no lift access to the first floor.