Dr Giovanna Speciale is one of the founders and CEO of . She describes herself as a 'recovering academic' who worked for 10 years as a consultant researcher in the community sector. Her M.Sc. in Energy Policy gave her the tools to understand the transformative role of community energy. Living on board a solar and wind-powered off-grid Eco houseboat gave her the financial freedom to volunteer to get Selce off the starting blocks.
Her role at Selce has evolved from ‘do-everything’ (administrator, energy advisor, project developer, fundraiser, asset manager, project manager) to one of leading a team of over 50 staff, volunteers, and voluntary directors. Giovanna's commitment to grassroots action that puts the community at the heart of energy transition remains constant.
As of May 2025, Selce owns half a megawatt of solar PV and LED assets; they enable over 1000 vulnerable households per year to reduce their energy costs (and carbon); they support households, community venues, and businesses to manage their retrofit and renewable energy journey.
