Who are we?

Grimsby Community Energy (GCE) is a not-for-profit, community benefit society working to deliver practical, locally owned renewable energy projects across North East Lincolnshire and surrounding areas.

Our mission is simple:
to reduce energy costs, cut carbon emissions, and keep the financial benefits of energy generation within the local community.

We develop, fund, install and manage renewable energy projects—primarily rooftop solar and battery storage—on behalf of local organisations. In return, those organisations benefit from lower-cost, locally generated electricity without upfront investment, while surpluses are reinvested into community initiatives.

Our Story

Grimsby Community Energy was established in response to two clear challenges facing our area:

Rising energy costs for households and organisations
The need to transition to a low-carbon future in a way that benefits local people

From the outset, GCE has focused on practical delivery rather than theory—working directly with local partners to bring forward real projects that make a measurable difference.

What began as a small, volunteer-led initiative has grown into a locally rooted organisation delivering multiple renewable energy schemes, supporting education, and building partnerships across the region.

Along the way, we have worked closely with schools, charities, businesses, and public sector organisations—demonstrating that community-led energy can be both financially viable and socially impactful.

What We Do

Solar PV Projects

We install solar panels on suitable buildings at no upfront cost to the host organisation.

Reduced electricity bills
Long-term price stability
Lower carbon emissions
Fully managed installation and maintenance

Battery Storage

We are developing battery storage projects to:

Store locally generated renewable energy
Reduce reliance on the grid at peak times
Support a more resilient local energy system

Community Benefit

As a community benefit society, we reinvest surpluses into:

Fuel poverty support
Energy advice and engagement
Educational programmes
Local community initiatives

Our Impact

Grimsby Community Energy focuses on real, measurable outcomes, including:

Lower energy bills for local organisations
Reduced carbon emissions across the area
Increased local awareness of energy and sustainability
Opportunities for students and young people to engage with the energy sector

We also prioritise skills development and education, working with local colleges and training providers to support the next generation of the green workforce.

Key Projects

Delivery of rooftop solar installations across community and commercial buildings
Development of a community-led battery storage portfolio
Expansion of solar to organisations without access to capital funding
Exploration of innovative models to support households in areas of high deprivation

East Marsh Solar Project (In Development)

Grimsby Community Energy is currently developing a project to deliver:

Solar PV installations to approximately 100 homes in the East Marsh ward
Free electricity for participating households
Energy advice and support to reduce bills and carbon emissions

This project is focused on one of the most deprived areas locally and aims to demonstrate how community energy can directly support households most in need.

Our Approach

We believe energy should be:

Local – owned and delivered within the community
Fair – providing real benefits to those who need them most
Practical – focused on delivery, not just ambition
Collaborative – working with partners across sectors

We take a long-term, partnership-based approach, ensuring projects are financially sustainable and deliver lasting impact.

Governance

Grimsby Community Energy is a Community Benefit Society, meaning:

It is run for the benefit of the community, not private profit
Members have a democratic say in how the organisation is run
Surpluses are reinvested locally

The organisation is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors with experience across energy, education, business, and community development.

Working With Us

We work with:

Schools and colleges
Charities and community organisations
Businesses and commercial sites
Public sector organisations

If you have a suitable building or want to explore partnership opportunities, we welcome conversations.

Events and Community Engagement

Grimsby Community Energy regularly hosts and participates in events to:

Support local businesses and organisations
Share knowledge and practical advice
Build partnerships across the region

Key events include:

Grimsby Energy Collective – Inspiring Cooperative Growth
Green Drinks networking events
Community advice sessions such as “Watts Up, East Marsh?”

Quotes

Dr Vicky Dunn, Managing Director, Grimsby Community Energy:
“Community energy is about more than generating electricity—it’s about creating opportunities, reducing inequality, and ensuring the benefits of the energy transition are felt locally. We are proud to be delivering projects that make a real difference across our community.”

Media Enquiries

For interviews, press enquiries, or further information, please contact:

Grimsby Community Energy
Email: steve.rusling@grimsbycommunityenergy.coop or vicky.dunn@grimsbycommunityenergy.coop

Key Facts (At a Glance)

Not-for-profit community benefit society
Based in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire
Delivers solar PV and battery storage projects
Focused on reducing energy costs and carbon emissions
Reinvests surpluses into local community initiatives
Works with local organisations, businesses, and residents

Notes for Editors

Grimsby Community Energy is part of a growing national movement of community energy organisations across the UK.
Projects are typically funded through grants, partnerships, and community investment.
The organisation prioritises areas where energy costs and deprivation intersect.