Announcement: My New Role as Advisor to the Board – Derbyshire Dales Community Energy
I’m incredibly excited to share that I’ve been appointed as an Advisor to the Board of Derbyshire Dales Community Energy (DDCE), a role that will allow me to contribute directly to shaping the future of community energy, net-zero transition, and smart grid innovation across Derbyshire County.
This is more than just a professional milestone, it’s a deeply personal commitment to sustainable development, community empowerment, and climate resilience.
Derbyshire Dales Community Energy (DDCE) is a community benefit society with a bold mission which is to empower local people and organizations to lead the transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Based in Matlock, UK, DDCE has already made waves by initiating and supporting grassroots energy projects, from rooftop solar PV installations to the launch of the Derbyshire Community Energy Hub, the largest local energy network of its kind in England.
The organization’s work is focused on decarbonizing the local economy, retaining wealth within communities, and promoting energy democracy.
My Role: Advisor to the Board on Community Energy, Net Zero & Smart Grid Projects
As an Advisor to the Board, my primary responsibility will be to bring strategic insight and cross-sectoral experience to support DDCE's vision, and to extend that support across a broader landscape of community energy groups in Derbyshire.
This includes groups and stakeholders across:
• Derbyshire County
• Derbyshire Dales District
• Peak District National Park Authority
• Other local councils and sustainability networks
Together, we will explore and develop projects that not only lower emissions, but equip communities to take ownership of their energy futures.
What I’ll Be Focusing On
In this new role, I will focus on driving innovation in community energy by advising on the design and strategy of solar, battery, and smart energy systems. My goal is to help communities develop resilient and scalable models for local energy generation and ownership. A key aspect of this work involves aligning DDCE's initiatives with the UK’s national targets for net zero by 2050, through measurable and impactful local action. I’ll also be exploring cutting-edge smart grid technologies, from microgrids to electric vehicle infrastructure and demand-side energy management, and facilitating partnerships that enable the piloting of these connected systems.
Equally important will be collaboration. I intend to act as a bridge between various community groups, governmental bodies, and private sector players. By supporting knowledge-sharing and fostering regional cooperation through the Derbyshire Community Energy Hub, we can ensure that ideas and innovations are shared and scaled where they are needed most. Altogether, these focus areas will support DDCE's mission to empower local communities in Derbyshire to build a more sustainable, energy-secure future.
Why This Matters
Energy is at the heart of every community, how we power our homes, fuel our mobility, and sustain our economies. But energy is also one of the biggest contributors to climate change. That's why community-led energy solutions are so powerful, they put people back in control, make energy fairer, and keep the benefits local.
With initiatives like DDCE’s solar car park feasibility study, or its collaborations with councils on public building retrofits and EV charging networks, the organization is proving that big change can start small, and local
Looking Ahead
There’s a long road ahead, and plenty of work to do, from decarbonizing housing stock and reducing fuel poverty, to helping local councils adopt renewable-first policies. But with a collective spirit and focused action, we can turn Derbyshire into a model for sustainable community energy in the UK and beyond.
I look forward to supporting DDCE’s Board, working alongside dedicated community groups, and co-creating solutions that truly work for people and the planet.
If you’d like to learn more about DDCE and their impactful work, I encourage you to visit their website and follow their journey. And if you’re part of a community in Derbyshire looking to start or grow your own energy project, let’s talk!
Here’s to a cleaner, smarter, and more empowered future for Derbyshire.
