At WOCoRe we’ve always believed that renewable energy is about more than just the power we generate. It’s about sharing what’s possible when a community takes energy into its own hands.

During our 2024–25 financial year, we welcomed more than 400 visitors to Osney Lock Hydro through guided tours, open days and organised visits. From school groups and university students to local residents, councillors and international delegations, every visit helps to spark curiosity and build understanding of how community energy works in practice.

Sharing the power of community energy

Education and advocacy are central to WOCoRe’s mission. Visits allow people to see first-hand how local, community-owned renewables contribute to the transition to net zero, and how projects like ours can inspire change beyond Oxford.

Past highlights include a visit from Kerry McCarthy MP, the UK’s Minister for Climate, who came to learn about the scheme’s community partnership model. We also regularly take part in Osney Open Gardens and Oxford Open Doors, when hundreds of people stop by for behind-the-scenes tours of the hydro.

This year we’ve added a new digital display, funded thanks to a grant from Low Carbon Hub, to help visitors understand what they’re seeing on site, from live generation data to information about our wildlife garden and the history of Osney Lock Hydro. We’ve just upgraded the screen to a brighter, slightly larger version to improve legibility, again with funding from Low Carbon Hub.

Inspiring the next generation

We love hosting students and researchers who are exploring the future of sustainable energy. Recent visits have included MSc students from Reading University’s Agriculture and Development programme, and from Oxford University’s MSc in Energy Systems course, both of which have become annual visits.

These sessions always spark lively discussions about technology, ecology and social impact, and remind us how important it is to connect the next generation of sustainability leaders with real-world examples of community energy in action.

Looking ahead

With 1.5 million kWh of hydro generation now achieved since we began operating in 2015, and 68 tonnes of carbon dioxide saved this year alone, we’re proud that we continue to generate more than clean electricity. We generate inspiration, understanding and a shared belief that communities can power change.

We’ll continue to welcome visitors through open days, group tours, and events, because seeing community energy in action is the best way to understand why it matters.