The Feasibility Study: what is it and why it matters?

Before any turbine turns or solar panels are installed, we need to understand whether renewable generation is technically, financially, and practically viable for Charsfield. A feasibility study gives us that foundation.

This initial phase is about due diligence and discovery. If the feasibility report returns a favourable outcome, Charsfield Community Energy will be positioned to move toward implementation. This project represents a proactive step by the community to contribute to the UK’s net-zero goals while exploring localised power generation.

Our community benefit project is village currently scaled at only 2% the size of the proposed commercial Deben Solar project at Letheringham/Easton and yet it is expected to supply all the electricity that the village needs.

The feasibility study is being carried out by Locogen Consulting Ltd, a specialist independent company with over 15 years’ experience in renewable energy and a track record of more than 200 community energy projects across England and Scotland. Local co-ordination throughout the study is being provided by Deben Climate Centre, again, at no cost to Charsfield. The study started at the end of March 2026.

What will the study tell us?

At the end of the study we will have a clear, evidence- based picture of:

• how much energy we are using as a community and indications of how this is likely to change in the future.

• Whether the land parcels identified are genuinely suitable for solar or wind generation
• The realistic scale and type of any installation
• How well local generation could match Charsfield’s energy needs
• What the project would cost to build, run, and maintain over 25 years
• What income or savings it could generate for the community
• Any planning, grid connection, or technical hurdles — and how to address them

It is important to be clear: the feasibility study is not a commitment to build anything. It is the information we need to make a well-informed decision about whether to proceed — and if so, how.The first phase is looking at our current energy consumption using a survey and public data.