Exploring the extent of networking between small-scale, sustainable energy projects led by local communities in the UK, the project asks whether and how this networking assists in the innovation of community energy.

Funded by the EPSRC and EdF, the project also assesses the performance of projects and provides independent advice to policy-makers and energy businesses about the merits and processes for supporting community energy.

This work relates closely to work within the STEPS Centre concerning social innovation more generally and the role of civil society in driving sustainable innovation pathways.

Website: http://grassrootsinnovations.org/2012/03/25/community-innovation-for-sustainable-energy-cise/

This is a collaborative project led by:

• Adrian Smith, STEPS Centre and SPRU
• Gill Seyfang, University of East Anglia