At our AGM on 12 October, shareholders joined us online to mark 15 years of Low Carbon Hub. Steve Drummond has been part of that story since 2013, first as a director and chair of our Investment Committee, and as Chair since 2023. We asked him to look back, and forward. 

Steve, you’ve been with Low Carbon Hub for more than 13 of its 15 years. Looking back, what stands out for you? 
“Fifty low carbon community groups. More than fifty renewable energy projects across Oxfordshire. And enough built to secure community benefit for the next thirty years. That’s a great start, and the exciting thing is what comes next.” 

The energy world looks very different from when Low Carbon Hub began. What’s changed most? 
“Changes continue, and we need to keep reinventing ourselves to keep up. Rooftop solar is a good example. It’s now everywhere and easy to get. We helped usher that in, in a small way, and we no longer need to do it ourselves. That’s a success story.” 

So where is Low Carbon Hub putting its energy now? 
“Bigger solar, in fields, owned by the community. Ray Valley Solar is up and running and has vastly expanded the community benefit we generate. Now we’re adding batteries there, so solar power captured at midday can be released at the evening peak, when people need it most. It will be the UK’s first community owned solar farm with its own battery on the same site.” 

You’ve watched the organisation grow up over that time. What makes you proudest? 
“It isn’t the amount of energy we generate. It’s what we do with the money. Our investors put their faith in us, and that money goes back into the communities we serve, for real environmental and social benefit.” 

And what does the next 15 years look like? 
“An energy system that’s fair, open and relevant to everybody. We’re at our best when we bring about change through communities, and that’s where we’ll keep our focus.” 

Thank you to every investor, community group, partner and volunteer who got us here.