Community Energy Fund - Midlands Net Zero Hub

The funding will help to kickstart clean energy projects including small-scale wind farms and rooftop solar partnerships, as well as battery storage, rural heat networks, electric vehicle charging points. It can also be used to fund fuel poverty alleviation schemes such as energy efficiency, retrofit, and advice projects. The grant scheme aims to empower local people to take control of their energy future by:

• Increasing the number of community-owned low-carbon energy assets
• Supporting communities to reduce energy cost and demand
• Generating local income through community-owned energy assets
• Reinvesting income locally and kickstarting private investment
• Supporting local jobs, growth and volunteering opportunities
• Enabling places to benefit from clean, renewable, local energy

There are two grants available:

• Stage 1 Feasibility Grant - to produce a feasibility study to establish the technical and financial viability of a project
• Stage 2 Development Grant - for a more detailed investigation of the technology, for planning applications and to develop a business case.

Key Criteria

The grant scheme is open to a wide range of community-based organisations including Sports Clubs, Faith Groups, Trusts, Charities and Parish and Town Councils. Applicants need to show that a good level of community engagement has been carried out and that there is genuine community support for the project, including plans for ongoing community engagement.

Amounts available:

Stage 1 Feasibility Grant up to £40,000, Stage 2 Development Grant of up to £100,000.

The deadline for applications is 8th November 2024. For more information, please visit - https://www.midlandsnetzerohub.co.uk/community-energy/.