Sussex Energy has highlighted significant progress in building a resilient, low-carbon energy future for the region, with new initiatives supporting energy security, investment, job creation and community-led renewable energy projects across Sussex.
Published during Community Energy Fortnight (1–14 July), the latest update showcases the growing strength of Sussex’s community energy sector, which supports approximately 130 jobs and reinvests around £1.5 million annually back into Sussex communitie.
Chair of the Greater Brighton Economic Board, Cllr Caroline Baxter, welcomed the continued expansion of Sussex Energy as a partnership bringing together local authorities, businesses, universities, the NHS and community energy organisations around a shared vision for the region’s future.
“Together, we’re developing projects, building partnerships and creating the conditions to improve energy resilience, support skilled local jobs and unlock investment that benefits communities across Sussex.”
Community Energy Toolkit Launches
To mark Community Energy Fortnight, Sussex Energy has launched a new Community Energy Communications Toolkit containing ready-to-use, non-branded content designed to help organisations raise awareness of community energy initiatives and strengthen regional collaboration.
Community Energy Communications Toolkit:
https://greaterbrighton.com/ready-made-energy-communications-content/
New Interactive Energy Map
A new interactive map developed by a University of Brighton Master’s student in collaboration with Brighton & Hove City Council’s Net Zero team provides a comprehensive overview of low-carbon energy activity across Sussex. The platform is intended to showcase projects, encourage collaboration and improve public awareness of energy decarbonisation efforts across the region.
Additional information on the dashboard project is available here.
Shared Energy Vision for the New Strategic Authority
Sussex Energy has also been developing the Sussex & Brighton Energy Brief to inform the emerging Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority. The brief positions energy as a critical driver of economic growth, energy security and investment, while identifying priorities including:
- Development of a Sussex-wide energy plan
- Creation of a pipeline of investable projects
- Attraction of regional and national investment
- Acceleration of solar and heat network deployment
- Strengthening green skills through education and employers
- Improved coordination across organisations in Sussex.
The programme estimates that Sussex & Brighton could support around 24,000 jobs in the net-zero economy based on population-scaled national estimates.
Solar Across Sussex Programme Underway
The first phase of the Solar Across Sussex programme is now underway. The initiative is assessing opportunities for both rooftop and ground-mounted solar generation while considering planning, environmental and grid constraints. Future energy scenarios suggest Sussex will require approximately 1,130 MW of large-scale solar generation by 2040 to support regional energy resilience and decarbonisation goals.
Sussex Energy Forum
The next Sussex Energy Forum will take place on 14 July 2026 at the University of Sussex, bringing together organisations from across the energy sector to share updates, strengthen collaboration and shape future delivery priorities. The event is currently fully booked, with a waiting list available.
Learn More About Sussex Energy
To understand the wider ambition behind the programme, readers can explore:
Feature Article
From rooftops to resilience: the mission to make Sussex energy-neutral by 2040
Read the full interview[explore.ghost.org]
Sussex Energy Mission
Sussex Energy – Greater Brighton
Learn more about the Sussex Energy Mission[eastsussex.gov.uk]
Background Announcement
First Net Zero Partnership on a Mission for Sussex-wide Zero Carbon Energy
Read the announcement[greenersussex.co.uk]