10176128EssNet Pathfinder PlusClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKEssNet Pathfinder Plus will accelerate the transition to net zero by tackling the practical, non-technical barriers that currently hold back community-led energy. Building on the success of the earlier EssNet Pathfinder project, it will help communities to develop more local renewable power, cutting bills, improving energy security, and supporting a just transition. EssNet Pathfinder created **Essex Community Energy CIC (ECE)**, a not-for-profit energy services company that helps households and businesses install rooftop solar and batteries with no upfront cost, selling electricity to them for 17.3p/kWh on a 'Pay as You Go' model. The project also identified major potential for small-scale ground-mounted solar. In Essex alone, 43.5 MW of sites were mapped, with more than 1.3 GW estimated across England. A recent Ofgem rule change (CMP446) now makes it easier for these sub-5 MW projects to connect to the grid, creating a timely opportunity for community-led renewables. EssNet Pathfinder Plus will unlock this opportunity by: **Planning innovation**: Testing streamlined processes tailored to community projects, reducing cost and delay. **Procurement innovation**: Developing compliant routes for councils, schools and hospitals to commit to buying local clean energy. **Financial innovation**: Developing a revolving Project Feasibility Fund to support early-stage development and unlock investment. Alongside delivery in Essex, the project will carry out knowledge exchange with other councils and community groups across the UK, building partnerships and providing practical tools for replication. By addressing planning, procurement and finance together, EssNet Pathfinder Plus will demonstrate a model for rapid, scalable, community-led renewables: helping households save 15-20% on electricity bills, generating reinvestment for local communities, and making a measurable contribution to the UK's clean energy and net zero targets.