A clean energy initiative in the Ribble Valley has been hailed in Parliament as a brilliant example of how rural communities can lead the way in delivering greener, more affordable energy solutions.
Ribble Valley MP Maya Ellis, who Blog Preston recently profiled in an indepth interview, highlighted the ground source heat loop feasibility project developed by Chipping Community Energy, which is a volunteer working group supported by Chipping Community Land Trust, and urged Ministers to ensure rural areas were not left behind in the UK’s transition to net zero.
In response, Kerry McCarthy, Minister at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, praised the initiative and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting rural areas in the shift towards decarbonisation.
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Kerry McCarthy said. “We are absolutely committed to recognising the role that community energy groups, like the Chipping Community Land Trust, can play in ensuring that communities directly benefit from the energy transition.”
The Minister confirmed that Chipping Community Energy had previously received £100,000 through the Rural Community Energy Fund and pointed to further support through the £5 million Great British Energy Community Fund, which aims to unlock a new wave of community-led clean energy schemes across the country.
Over the past five years, Chipping Community Energy’s volunteers have worked to develop renewable, low‑carbon heating solutions for homes off the gas grid.
Maya Ellis said: “Chipping Community Energy is a brilliant ground source heat loop feasibility project. We know that grid infrastructure is weaker in rural areas and there is a risk that more remote communities are left behind in the move to decarbonisation, just as they were with the broadband roll-out.
“Places like Ribble Valley face unique challenges, but also great opportunities, when it comes to producing energy locally. Groups like Chipping Community Energy are already showing how local solutions can help bring down bills and protect our environment. I’ll keep pushing to make sure rural voices are heard and that government policy supports practical, community-led energy projects that make a real difference to people’s lives.”
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