Austin Macauley 13 November 2014

Community energy schemes receive £10m boost

A £10m fund has been launched to help communities across England set up their own renewable energy schemes.

The Urban Community Energy Fund provides grants of up to £20,000 to create ‘power hubs’ using anything from solar to local waste to generate energy. Local projects can also access loans of up to £130,000 to finance initiatives.

Energy and climate change secretary Ed Davey said he hoped it would encourage others to follow the example of existing community schemes. England’s first project has seen Harvey’s Brewery in Lewes, East Sussex use solar energy to cut its bills while the community benefits from money back under the feed in tariff.

‘This is all about investing in renewable energy sources, creating jobs and changing the way renewable energy is developed in the UK,’ said Mr Davey.

Kathy Smyth, policy director of Community Energy England, said: ‘Without risking the integrity of the wider feed in tariff scheme, this will stimulate community involvement in larger renewable schemes.

‘It will be a great boost to projects using the split ownership model under the voluntary protocol for shared community ownership, which Ed Davey launched earlier this month.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Strategic Director, Corporate Services

City of Bradford MDC
c£162,000 per annum, more for an exceptional candidate
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation Bradford, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of Bradford MDC

Director of Human Resources

City of Bradford MDC
£119,466 - £131,207
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation Bradford, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of Bradford MDC

Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer)

North Kesteven District Council
£109,668 – £117,623
Create the conditions for long-term prosperity
Recuriter: North Kesteven District Council

Director of Libraries, Sport and Physical Activity & Communities

Glasgow Life
£102,894.01 - £116,854.38 per year
Our teams focus on making a real difference through culture and sport in Glasgow. Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recuriter: Glasgow Life
Linkedin Banner