Camden Council and Power Up North London are delighted to announce that they have signed a new partnership to bring more renewable energy to the borough.

Power Up North London (PUNL) is a community-run organisation which brings together people who want to do something practical about the climate emergency.  It now has installed solar panels on nine different sites across North London, including 3 schools, a GP practice, Kentish Town City Farm and even a golf course. Combined these projects are capable of generating 300 kWp of green electricity. 

The PUNL model is designed to deliver a triple win.

The planet benefits from reduced CO2 emissions. PUNL’s existing projects save 72 tonnes of carbon annually, the equivalent of 26 acres of new forest.

There is a financial benefit to the schools and other sites where the solar power is installed, as they benefit from savings on their electricity bills.

Last but not least, these projects provide an opportunity for local people to do something practical with and for their communities to address the climate crisis. PUNL’s work is delivered by volunteers who bring a range of skills – including engineering, marketing, finance and community mobilisation. 

So far, over 188 local people have invested over £140,000 through community share offers to cover the costs of installing renewable power.  Shareholders’ capital is returned together with a healthy 1.5% interest.  Any surplus funds are returned to local environmental projects through our Community Energy Fund.   

The new partnership between Camden Council and Power Up North London is an opportunity to further scale this work. 

Together we will aim to bring more renewable solar power to the borough and explore the scope for our first collaborative project on renewable heat. The partnership speaks to a key recommendation of the Camden Climate Assembly, which called for more community-owned and managed renewable energy.

We would love to hear from people who live and work in the borough who might be interested in our work as volunteers and investors. We are also looking for new sites where there might be scope to install renewables.  Do get in touch: info@powerupnorthlondon.org