In 2022, Thrive provided £4 million funding to Ambition Community Energy (ACE) for England’s largest 100% community-owned onshore wind turbine to be built close to Lawrence Weston, Bristol. The idea for a community-owned wind turbine was first raised in 2016 by a local resident and member of ACE (part of local charity Ambition Lawrence Weston). Bristol City Council’s Energy Services Team agreed to help them identify suitable council land and the planning application received support from residents, local communities and local councillors. Planning officers recommended a rejection of the scheme, but Bristol City Council’s planning committee voted unanimously in its favour. Despite this, the project still had to be submitted to the Secretary of State for final approval.

Thrive’s innovative funding enabled Ambition Community Energy (ACE) to get the project into construction after years of tireless planning work. Now in operation since 2023, the 150 metre high turbine generates enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of Lawrence Weston’s domestic use and is estimated to save over 120,000 tonnes in carbon emissions over its lifetime. Providing a new revenue stream for the local community in Lawrence Weston, profits from electricity sales will be reinvested back into the area, acting as a driver for regeneration. ACE also plan to build an Energy Learning Zone to inspire young people and provide training to upskill residents for zero carbon careers.

The project received early stage funding from the Urban Community Energy Fund, Bristol Community Energy Fund, Bristol and Bath Regional Capital and the West of England Combined Authority (European Regional Development Funding) and a number of private individuals.