This fund is aimed to support parish and town councils, voluntary and community organisations, faith groups, and sports teams get started on clean power projects that benefit their local areas.
The Great British Energy Community Fund is a £5million programme being delivered by the five Net Zero Hubs in England on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Great British Energy.
GBECF will be managed locally by the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub. Designed to help community groups produce power where it is needed and which local people benefit from and to contribute to the government’s mission of increasing renewable energy generation, two grants are available.
- Stage 1 – Feasibility Grant: For those communities at an early stage of exploring a renewable energy project this stage offers grants of up to a maximum of £40,000 to cover consultancy and professional costs for the development of a feasibility study.
- Stage 2 – Development Grant: For projects which demonstrate a good chance of securing planning permission and being implemented, the Hub will consider further development funding of up to £100,000 to enable more detailed investigation, including:
- Investigation of possible purchase of land (legal fees for example)
- Environmental impact assessments
- Submission of planning applications and permitting applications
- Development a full investment business plan
Applications will be independently assessed, and it is anticipated that the number of applications will exceed the funding available in the North East and Yorkshire.
Who can apply?
Please read the ‘How to Apply’ page for information on general eligibility.
How to apply?
Please read the Guidance Notes for this grant scheme carefully. Applications are only considered complete when all supporting documentation has been received.
