Energy security boosted by new government fund

The government have announced a new fund to allow rural communities to be supported as they look to set up energy security projects.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced the Community Energy Fund last week which will see communities able to win a share of £10m.

Set to become available in early autumn, the fund will help communities begin work on local renewable energy projects such as a rooftop solar partnerships, battery storage, or electric vehicle charging points.

Families and businesses will see the benefits of these projects, with allocations being made to communities around the country to help them access affordable, secure, and clean energy, as well as managing their consumption.

Andrew Bowie, Minister for Nuclear and Networks, said: ‘Local communities are at the heart of our plans to boost our energy security and grow the economy. The Community Energy Fund for England will empower communities to do just that.

‘With it, they’ll be able to drive forward innovative energy projects that will have a lasting impact, bringing costs down, building stronger communities, and securing clean energy for generations to come.

‘Importantly, these energy projects could expand beyond local areas by attracting further investment from the private sector, in turn inspiring other communities to power their area with energy from England.’

In addition, as well as the funds helping rural communities upgrade to cleaner energy sources, all the money that is generated from the projects will be directed back into the community, so other local schemes can be supported.

These include programmes such as community gardens and youth employment groups.

Building on the success of the previous rural community energy fund, the new money-orientated system has allowed for an expansion to cover rural and urban areas and will be delivered through local net zero hubs.

Image: Jason Blackeye

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