Small things matter: RWE's Community Funds put local people at the heart of UK investment

RWE, the UK’s largest power generator and a leading renewable energy company, is celebrating another year of its community funds making a difference across the country, showing that community-driven, locally managed support unlocks real and lasting change where it matters most.

RWE's community funds are dedicated to listening to and delivering on behalf of local people, not the business making decisions about what to support. At the heart of RWE's approach lies an honest commitment to empowering residents, volunteers, and grassroots projects helping them to thrive, by putting decision-making in the hands of local people.

In 2025, RWE’s renewable energy projects invested nearly £5.7 million into community funds including £911,500 in Scotland, £1,497,000 in England, £3,337,000 in Wales.

Tom Glover, RWE UK Country Chair, said: "Delivering clean energy is at the heart of what we do and local communities are critical partners in this journey.  One of the true highlights for me is seeing how the community funds from our renewable energy projects are helping locally led projects transform lives. These achievements are only possible thanks to the passion and insight of the volunteers and local leaders who understand exactly what their communities need. When local voices guide support, small changes, backed by our investment can make a big impact that lasts for years."

These flexible funds have supported a wide range of local initiatives, such as installing solar panels at Picklenash Junior School to lower costs and emissions, funding vital rural services like Meals on Wheels in South Denbighshire, and expanding affordable community-run electric car sharing in West Wales through Dolen Teifi.

Highlights of the 2025 report

• 3,895 volunteering opportunities fostered
• 4,563 education and training opportunities
• £5 million match funding unlocked
• 54 jobs created and 110 jobs safeguarded.

Community stories: small grants, big difference

• Picklenash Junior School, Laynes Wood Solar Farm (Gloucestershire): A grant from the RWE Laynes Wood Solar Farm Fund enabled the installation of over 20 solar panels, reducing energy costs, decreasing the school’s carbon footprint, and allowing more school resources to be invested directly into pupils.
• William Robertson Homes, Middlemoor Onshore Wind (Northumberland): RWE Middlemoor Onshore Wind Farm Fund has funded upgrades in subsidised housing for retired farmworkers, improving their daily life with new kitchens, efficient heating, and accessible bathrooms to help seniors remain in their rural community.
• South Denbighshire Community Partnership, Clocaenog Onshore Wind (North Wales): Three-years of funding from the RWE Clocaenog Onshore Wind Farm Fund secured essential services for rural communities, including Meals on Wheels, community transport, prescription deliveries, parent groups, and activities that reduce isolation and strengthen wellbeing.
• 1compass Centre, Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind (North Wales): Flexible support from the Gwynt y Môr Wind Farm Community Fund, operated by RWE, enabled recruitment of an additional youth worker to run more regular youth sessions, build confidence, support school attendance, and offer one-to-one help for young people not in education, training, or employment.
• Dolen Teifi Electric Car Share, Brechfa Onshore Wind (South West Wales): With initial support from the RWE Brechfa Onshore Wind Farm Fund, Dolen Teifi has developed affordable, community-run electric car sharing across West Wales, reducing emissions, cutting costs, and keeping people connected to vital services.
• Green Shoots Community Centre, Lochelbank Onshore Wind (Perth and Kinross): The RWE Lochelbank Onshore Wind Farm Fund helped Green Shoots create a new play and activity area, bringing communities together, enabling outdoor learning, and fostering connections for all ages in Aberdalgie’s historic walled garden.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “We have always been clear that communities hosting clean, homegrown power should benefit directly.

“From solar helping schools invest in pupils to offshore wind funding youth services, RWE’s community funds are putting millions back into local areas - improving lives while boosting energy security and reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuels.”

With over £176 million dedicated to community projects over the lifetime of its renewable portfolio, RWE remains committed to putting communities at the centre of the energy transition, ensuring a brighter, more equitable future, one small project at a time.

For more information, project stories, and images, visit our community hub.

Pictures for media use (credit: RWE) are available at the RWE Media Centre, films of local community projects are here.