Community Energy Springs Into Action
In this issue…
- BEC Solar School Extensions – Expanding solar projects in schools
- School Feedback on Workshops – Hear from teachers and students
- Community Energy in Newhaven – Exploring renewable potential
- BEC’s 15th Birthday Party – Join our celebration!
- Funding for Car Battery Project – Advancing battery reuse
- BEC at RTPI Seminar – Discussing renewable energy planning
- Capital Repayments to Members – Financial update
- Investment App Scam Warning – Protecting our community
Image: BEC Solar at Cardinal Newman Catholic School
Expanding Solar Installations in Sussex
BEC Solar School Extensions
More schools and small businesses will benefit from BEC’s solar expansions this Summer. Several of our Solar Schools will see extensions to their current solar systems, saving even more carbon and reducing energy costs.
Additionally, we are finalizing agreements with Brighton & Hove City Council for two major installations:
- A 200 kW system at one secondary school.
- A 100 kW system at another secondary school.
Once the legal agreements are completed, we’ll announce the project locations.
Image: Hove Park Upper Year 9s Taking Ammeter Readings Dec ’24
What Schools Are Saying About Our Free Workshops?
Engaging the Next Generation in Renewable Energy
We’ve been busy delivering 20+ free renewable energy and carbon footprint workshops across local schools this Winter. Here’s what teachers and a pupil have to say:
“Thank you for a lovely and engaging session. The children really enjoyed the hands-on activities!” – Sam Smith, Year 5 Teacher at Carden Nursery & Primary School
“This is the most engaged my class has been all term. Thank you.” – Mrs Trussler, Year 9 Teacher at Hove Park Upper
“This has made me so happy. I feel like I did something today.” – Yara, Year 9 pupil at Hove Park Upper
We believe teaching younger generations about energy production, efficiency, and sustainability will empower them for the future. Thanks to our members for supporting this BEC Community Fund initiative!
Image: BEC Solar at Newhaven Port
More Community Energy for Newhaven?
Exploring Local Renewable Potential
BEC has received funding to assess Newhaven’s community energy potential. As a town with high electricity consumption, an international port, and thriving industries, Newhaven could benefit from locally generated renewable power.
Building on our existing community solar projects at Shoreham Port, we aim to apply our expertise to Newhaven. Our outreach efforts have already brought free solar education workshops to local schools, and we look forward to engaging with Newhaven’s environmental groups at upcoming climate events. Stay tuned for updates!
BEC’s 15th Birthday Party!
Save the Date – 16 August, 1–5 PM @Rewilding Waterhall
We’re celebrating 15 years of Brighton Energy Co-op! From humble beginnings to a thriving community energy initiative, we’ve come a long way. Join us for an afternoon of festivities at Brighton & Hove Food Partnership Clubhouse. Eventbrite tickets will be available soon.
Image: Courtesy of Jakub Zerdzicki
Funding for BEC’s Innovative Car Battery Project
Pioneering EV Battery Reuse
BEC is investing £20,000 into an innovative project repurposing electric vehicle batteries. This funding will accelerate our pilot installation at a local BCorp, helping to reduce EV battery waste while exploring new sustainability solutions.
BEC Invited to Speak at RTPI Seminar
Discussing Renewable Energy Planning
BEC will be presenting at the RTPI ‘Renewables – Capacity and Community Provision Seminar’ on April 2 in Southampton.
The seminar, featuring speakers from National Grid and other community organizations, will cover:
- Local Area Energy Plans
- Strategic Spatial Energy Planning
- Connection Reforms
For tickets and details, visit:
https://www.rtpi.org.uk/events/2025/april/renewables-hybrid-seminar-capacity-and-community-provision/
Capital Repayment to Members
Continuing Our Commitment to Investors
As in previous years, BEC will repay 5% of shareholder members’ capital in 2025. Thank you for your continued support!
Warning: Investment App Scam
Beware of Fraudulent Apps Claiming BEC Affiliation
We’ve been alerted to an investment scam involving an app in Somalia using our branding. BEC does not have an app, and we are not affiliated with any investment platform. If you encounter this scam, please disregard it and report it where possible.
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In other news… Welcome Paula Newton to Our Board
New Non-Executive Director Joins BEC We are delighted to welcome Paula Newton to our non-executive board. Paula has an extensive background in business advisory, tax consulting, and operations management, having worked with BSkyB, the BBC, and various SMEs. Her experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand our community energy projects. Paula will be officially confirmed as a director at our AGM on 25th September. See her full bio here. Thank You!To our Members, Bondholders, Partner Sites, and Supporters, thank you for standing with us as we drive local climate action through rooftop solar. Together, we’re reducing carbon emissions, improving commercial EPC ratings, and saving local schools and businesses money. Warmest regards,
If you’d like to know more about joining Brighton Energy Co-op you can find the Why Get Involved In Community Energy page here. You can sign up for our newsletter here. Feel free to share our newsletter with your friends & colleagues!
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