Marianne Brown is a Communications and Engagement Manager in the South West, focusing on building public understanding, trust, and participation in locally owned renewable energy. In their role at Bristol Energy Cooperative (BEC), they shape messaging and engagement across the full lifecycle of community energy projects—planning and organising local engagement ahead of planning applications, building relationships with communities living near energy assets, and raising support for community share offers and the wider sector through social media and offline activity.
Before joining BEC, they spent several years researching a large onshore wind farm in Shetland, examining community divisions, local history, and patterns of energy exploitation. This research shaped a long-term commitment to community-owned energy as a model for a just transition—one that keeps benefits local, strengthens accountability, supports energy efficiency, and encourages reduced energy use. Their book, The Shetland Way: Community and Climate Crisis on My Father’s Islands (Borough Press), was published in 2024.
They currently sit within the core communications group of an upcoming nationwide campaign led by Community Energy England, working with partners including Fuel Poverty Action to raise public awareness of community energy and push for regulatory and funding reform. Alongside this, they help deliver participatory initiatives such as Future Energy Landscapes workshops with the Centre for Sustainable Energy, supporting communities to have honest conversations about renewables and build the confidence and skills to develop their own projects.
With a background in journalism, they prioritise ethical storytelling, deep listening, and trust-building—especially in politically diverse communities. They are keen to share learning with practitioners and researchers working on public perceptions of decarbonisation and just energy transitions.