News / Green Energy
Community wind turbine inspires £1bn government investment in green energy
A community-owned wind turbine – the largest onshore wind turbine in England – has helped inspire what is being described as the “biggest investment in community energy in British history”.
The government’s new Local Power Plan will invest up to £1bn in locally owned clean energy projects, with ministers highlighting the Lawrence Weston scheme as proof that community-orientated grassroots clean power projects can “transform Britain”.
Delivered by Ambition Community Energy CIC on council-owned land overlooking the Severn Estuary, the 150-metre turbine generates enough renewable electricity to power more than 3,000 homes while cutting emissions equivalent to 8.6 million petrol car miles a year.
The project also provides an economic boost of around £100,000 each year to the local economy.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband, who had previously visited the site, heaped praise on the facility for its pioneering role – photo: Lisa Whiting Photography
The project was developed and delivered by the Bristol Legends nominee David Tudgey and Dr Charles Gamble on behalf of Ambition Lawrence Weston.
The wind turbine was launched in 2023, but the concept had begun some six years earlier, following a chance conversation at a London conference between Nick Hudson of Enercon Wind Energy and David Tudgey, who was there to receive an award for his involvement in a community energy scheme.
Tudgey felt he could replicate the success of his previous projects and build a scheme that turned out to be the largest onshore wind turbine in England.
On the government’s new strategy, Tudgey expressed optimism on the delivery of similar projects around the country where Ambition Community Energy will serve as a “blueprint”.
Tudgey said: “It’s fitting that Ed Miliband’s Local Power Plan announcement comes around Valentine’s Day – exactly three years ago on Valentine’s Day 2023, we were lifting the blades onto the Lawrence Weston turbine.
“That moment symbolised our love for community powered solutions and our commitment to a just energy transition it proves that community energy the way forward.”
He added: “The £1bn Local Power Plan validates what we’ve been advocating for years through Bristol Energy Network and Community Power Solutions: that communities can lead the way in leading energy transition.”
For Lawrence Weston – ranked among the 10 per cent most deprived areas in England – the project is also creating a long-term income stream for local people, funding skills, opportunities and community-led regeneration.
It is described as a visible symbol of how the energy transition can put wealth back into neighbourhoods that have often been left behind.
The Bristol Legends nominee David Tudgey (left) has been instrumental in the delivery of Ambition Community Energy – photo: David Tudgey
Energy secretary Ed Miliband, who had previously visited the site, heaped praise on the facility in a speech to the House of Commons in September 2024.
He said: “I had the chance to visit the Lawrence Weston turbine in Bristol, which members may know about.
“It is England’s tallest onshore wind turbine, and it is 100 per cent owned by the local community, powering at least 3,000 local homes and reinvesting revenues into local projects.”
He added: “We want the future made in Britain. Clean energy is the economic and industrial opportunity of the 21st century, and the truth is that other countries are seizing this opportunity. Britain is being left behind.”
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said the turbine shows the region’s “environmental leadership”.
She said: “A local wind turbine project in Bristol has helped inspire a new £1bn national programme, giving communities the power to generate their own clean energy and help cut pollution.”
Godwin added she is “excited to continue working with the government, GB Energy, and regional partners” so local people can “see and feel a difference from community-powered energy projects”.
The investment push also links to the region’s wider clean energy ambitions, particularly around the Severn Estuary, long recognised as having one of the highest tidal ranges in the world.
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said the turbine shows the region’s “environmental leadership” – photo: Milan Perera
Plans for tidal lagoons and other marine energy projects have been highlighted as part of future growth zones, positioning the West as a potential national hub for tidal power alongside wind and solar.
Miliband said community schemes are central to building a fairer system.
He added:“With the biggest ever investment in community energy in Britain’s history, this government is saying to every local community: we want you to be able to own and control clean energy so the profits flow into your community.”
The community-owned wind turbine is the largest onshore wind turbine in the UK – photo: Ambition
The Lawrence Weston turbine formed part of a £5.5m project backed by multiple partners, including funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Bristol City Council, Thrive Renewables, Bristol & Bath Regional Capital (BBRC) and the European Regional Development Fund programme.
Ambition Community Energy received backing from a number of local community leaders, including the late businessman and the fellow Bristol Legends nominee Norman Routledge, who served as chair of the project in his efforts to help regenerate the area.
Multiple Bristol grassroots green energy projects have received recognitions at the inaugural Bristol Legends event, with nomination for Centre for Sustainable Energy and CHEESE Project under Sustainability category.
To vote at Bristol Legends, visit www.bristol247.com/nominations; to attend the awards ceremony at Ashton Gate on March 6, visit www.bristol247.com/events/legends-awards-tickets and to attend the after party, visit www.bristol247.com/events/bristol-legends-party
Main photo: Charles Gamble
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