First power for ‘solar sharing’ community energy project

An innovative community energy project that generates green energy from a primary school and shares it with nearby homes has begun delivering its first power.

The pilot project by E.ON Next is designed to maximise the benefits of local solar generation and to make energy more affordable within communities – making cleaner power more accessible and affordable for all, and at the same time supporting the UK’s net zero goals.

This first-of-its-kind initiative has seen E.ON Next fund and install more than 220 solar panels on St Luke’s CEVA Primary School in Canning Town, east London. The school benefits from discounted electricity, with a portion of the power also shared to neighbours at a reduced price.

The project was formally launched today (Friday) with staff and pupils of St Luke’s, along with a blessing by Reverend Amy Stott, the vicar of St Luke’s.

Speaking at the launch event, Ramona Vlasiu, Chief Operating Officer at E.ON Next, said: “The energy transition is about making an energy system that works for people rather than against them. It’s about making energy more affordable and sustainable, and through a combination of technology, innovation, and products, we can empower customers and make energy a force for good.

“There are more than 20,000 primary schools across the country, not to mention the potential of other schools, universities, public buildings and car parks, so the opportunity to turn these into clean energy hubs that support their communities is enormous.”

Matt Hipperson, Headteacher at St Luke’s CEVA Primary School, said: "This exciting partnership with E.ON partners perfectly with the original trust deed for the school of over 150 years which relates to serving the community. The solar panels, alongside E.ON’s technical expertise allows us to use our large roof to help reduce electricity bills for the community we serve.”

Reverend Amy Stott, Vicar of St Luke's Church, Chair of Governors of St Luke's School and Newham Area Dean (main picture), added: “It's so exciting to see this project come together. St Luke's Church and School is an amazing and unique community and now it's great to also be part of this new generation of innovators and developers leading into this new technological revolution of seeing community buildings serving the community even more.

“We are so grateful to E.ON for working with us to see our wonderful school and church become even more at the heart of serving Canning Town.”

The 221 solar panels will generate about 92,000 kWh a year – the equivalent power needs of about 34 average UK homes¹ and enough to cover over half of the school’s energy needs.

The scheme uses smart metering technology to match solar generation at the school with consumption in local homes, applying credits to customers’ bills for the solar energy they use. This approach is expected to save the school and community more than £6,500 a year.

The project is a blueprint for more sustainable and efficient energy but E.ON has warned current regulations prevent wider use. The company is calling on the Government and the energy regulator to support the expansion of such innovative projects by updating regulations and policy costs.

The company argues removing social and environmental levies from local power sharing agreements would allow communities to harness the full potential of a cleaner energy system.

Energy communities can reduce the need for costly upgrades to national infrastructure, providing savings for network companies that can be passed back to customers. In Spain and Portugal for example new regulations allow communities to avoid transmission fees – sometimes c40% of bills – by sharing renewable energy within their local networks.

With more than 20,000 primary schools across the UK – along with universities, car parks, and other public buildings – the opportunity is enormous. Estimates show potential for up to 117GW of low carbon electricity from roofs and other developed spaces such as new buildings, warehouse rooftops, or car parks, but unlocking its full potential requires an urgent update to market rules.

Research² commissioned by E.ON highlights overwhelming public support for the UK’s 2030 and 2050 emissions and net zero goals, as well as a desire for more investment in local clean energy projects. Despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical tensions, the data showed that lowering carbon emissions remains a priority for people living in the UK.