WeSET Wins Climate Community Group Award at the Oxford Climate Awards 2026

Westmill Sustainable Energy Trust (WeSET) has been named the winner of the Climate Community Group Award at the Oxford Climate Awards 2026, in recognition of more than 15 years of pioneering work promoting community-owned renewable energy, education and climate action across Oxfordshire.

The award celebrates WeSET’s longstanding commitment to inspiring and enabling communities to play an active role in the transition to a low-carbon future. WeSET would like to thank SSEN for sponsoring the award, and Oxfordshire County Council and the Oxford Mail for organising and supporting the Oxford Climate Awards, which highlight the outstanding work being carried out by individuals, organisations and community groups across the county.

Founded in 2009 by Mike Blanch, Eoin Lees and Colin Bell, WeSET grew out of the vision and determination that helped make Westmill Wind Farm, the UK’s first community-owned wind farm, a reality. Much of that pioneering spirit was driven by Adam Twine, the landowners and many others who believed that local people could take ownership of renewable energy generation and directly benefit from the transition to a cleaner energy system.

When WeSET was established, community energy was still a relatively new concept. Indeed, those involved in setting up the charity often found themselves explaining an idea that was ahead of its time. Today, community-owned energy projects are widely recognised as an important part of the UK’s response to climate change, demonstrating just how far the movement has come.

Over the past 15 years, WeSET has delivered a diverse range of projects and activities, including:
• Promoting sustainable energy and community ownership, including support for Southill Solar in Charlbury.
• Championing the co-operative movement and its internationally recognised values.
• Organising conferences, workshops and events on renewable energy, biodiversity and climate action.
• Hosting educational visits for schools, community groups and the public, welcoming more than 18,000 visitors to the Westmill site.
• Developing educational resources for teachers and pupils, particularly at Key Stage 2.
• Installing solar PV systems at Watchfield Sports Pavilion and Watchfield Village Hall.
• Raising awareness of renewable energy technologies, including onshore wind, offshore wind, solar and hydropower.

Over the years, WeSET has welcomed everyone from local residents and students to industry experts, elected representatives and national figures, demonstrating the broad appeal and importance of community energy.

The award comes at a particularly exciting time for the sector. New opportunities such as the Great British Energy Community Fund are helping communities take greater control of their energy future and develop new renewable energy projects that deliver local benefits.

Looking ahead, WeSET also recognises the opportunities presented by ongoing investment in the electricity network. A significant proportion of Oxfordshire’s electricity network connects to the transmission system at Minety, Wiltshire, and increased grid capacity will help unlock further community-owned renewable energy generation across the region.

WeSET also wishes to acknowledge the important role played by local media in raising awareness of climate action. By sharing stories of innovation, collaboration and local leadership, organisations such as the Oxford Mail help ensure community energy remains firmly in the public conversation.

Accepting the award, Mike Blanch, Chair of WeSET, reflected on the strength and commitment of Oxfordshire’s climate community:
“It is delightful to see so many wonderful people committed to making the world a better place. Progress comes step by step, project by project and person by person. Thank you for showing up, thank you for your support, and keep on keeping on.”

Lisa Warne, CEO of Westmill Wind & Solar, added:
“This award is a tribute to the dedication of our trustees, volunteers, members and supporters who have helped build WeSET over the last 15 years. What began as a pioneering idea has grown into an organisation that has inspired thousands of people to learn about renewable energy and climate action. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and excited about the opportunities ahead for community energy.”

For more information about WeSET, to arrange a visit to the Westmill Wind and Solar Farms, access educational resources or find out how to get involved, visit:

WeSET