Investment company Thrive Renewables has formed a joint venture with Better Society Capital to mobilise £40m for community-owned wind and solar projects across the UK.

The new initiative, Community Energy Catalyst, will support local communities to build their own clean energy infrastructure or secure stakes in larger regional renewable energy schemes. Fair Play Clean Energy, Thrive’s existing joint venture with Top Cashback Sustainability, will provide £20m of the investment, with Better Society Capital providing matched funding.

Community Energy Catalyst will make investments ranging between £0.5mto £30m in individual projects which are at least 1MW in size and employ proven technologies such as onshore and offshore wind, solar PV and hydro-electric. The joint venture will target late-stage development projects that have already secured planning consent, enabling them to advance through to construction, commissioning and operation while aligning with local objectives.

Matthew Clayton, MD of Thrive Renewables, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Better Society Capital, bringing over 30 years’ of industry experience together with unrivalled social impact expertise to unlock the tremendous potential of community energy. The partnership addresses a critical gap in the UK's renewable energy landscape, empowering local communities to take ownership of their energy future while delivering substantial economic and social outcomes. Community Energy Catalyst isn't just about building renewable infrastructure — it's about putting people at the heart of the clean energy transition.”

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