William Eichler 10 February 2026

Government announces £1bn for community energy projects

Government announces £1bn for community energy projects image
© Soft grass / Shutterstock.com.

The Government has announced a new programme of investment to support the development of community energy projects across the country.

The funding forms part of the Local Power Plan, led by Great British Energy and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and aims to increase the number of locally owned renewable energy schemes.

The programme will provide financial support for community organisations to develop projects such as solar generation, with the intention of enabling local areas to benefit directly from energy production.

Funding may be used to support installations on community buildings including community centres, sports facilities and places of worship.

According to the Government, the initiative is intended to help communities reduce energy costs, generate long-term income, and strengthen local involvement in the transition to low-carbon energy.

Great British Energy CEO Dan McGrail said: ‘Communities are at the heart of Great British Energy’s mission. Local and community projects create cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy for our communities.

‘We are investing up to £1bn into community and local energy projects so that people up and down the country can feel the benefit of public ownership with purpose.’

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