We chaired well-attended sessions and, for the first time, hosted our own stand. The stand gave us a base to connect with stakeholders across two busy and productive days. These conversations helped build new connections and momentum across the community energy sector, making the event a clear highlight of the year.

Spotlight on grid capacity and innovation

Grid capacity was a key focus at All-Energy 2026. Partnership manager Laura Campbell chaired the session, Smart thinking – how can community energy projects make best use of existing grid capacity?

Access to the electricity grid is one of the biggest barriers for community-owned energy projects. Laura’s session explored how communities are finding practical ways to progress despite limited grid connections.

Speakers shared practical examples of how communities are working within grid constraints:

  • Emme Martin from Tiree Community Development Trust outlined how an integrated approach combining solar, battery storage and EV infrastructure is improving resilience and keeping value within the island.
  • Tom Sinner from Islay Energy Trust explained how expanding projects within existing grid agreements can generate reliable income for the community.
  • Jessica Hogan from Regen highlighted the untapped potential of rooftop solar and the need to simplify delivery models to unlock them at scale.

Grid constraints remain a challenge. But the session showed how innovative thinking and better use of existing assets are helping communities deliver projects. This was reflected in a strong turnout and high audience engagement.

Supporting communities to take action

Christina Hinds, shared ownership specialist at Local Energy Scotland, chaired a session on Supporting communities to engage with and progress renewable energy projects.

The session included speakers from the Community Energy Launchpad, Foundation Scotland and Point & Sandwick Trust. It showed strong ambition within communities across Scotland. Speakers highlighted a growing appetite to get involved in renewable energy, including developing projects, managing community benefit funds and exploring shared ownership.

The session showed that:

  • Successful projects rely on strong collaboration.
  • Developers need to support communities.
  • Support should be tailored, locally informed and built on trust.

It also highlighted the wide range of support available, including CARES. Point & Sandwick Trust provided a strong example of what effective partnerships can achieve.

A vibrant community energy presence

Community energy had a strong presence at All-Energy 2026, with well-attended sessions and high engagement. Across sessions led by Laura Campbell and Christina Hinds, there was a clear sense of momentum in the sector.

Despite ongoing challenges such as grid constraints, communities remain keen to get involved. They’re finding practical and innovative ways to deliver projects.

These discussions showed the importance of strong partnerships and accessible support. They also highlighted the key role community energy will continue to play in Scotland’s energy transition.

Looking ahead

All-Energy 2026 showed how collaboration and innovation can help address the challenges facing community energy projects. There is a shared determination across the sector to find solutions.

We’ll continue these conversations and build on the momentum from the event. We remain committed to supporting communities across Scotland to develop and deliver local energy projects.