Communities urged to apply for chunk of £2million 'clean energy' funding
People in Lancashire are being encouraged to apply for a slice of a regional £2million fund to develop 'clean energy' projects in their area.
The Community Energy Fund can help groups get projects off the ground, such as solar panel networks, wind farms and hydro power, rural heat networks, electric vehicle charging points and car clubs.
Aimed at helping local communities to generate and cut their consumption of fossil fuel based energy, the scheme means community groups and eligible voluntary groups in urban and rural communities can apply for a part of £2million available locally to develop energy projects in their areas.
It's being rolled out locally by the North West Net Zero Hub, one of five regional hubs nationwide, in conjunction with Lancashire County Council and funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as part of a national £10million programme.
Examples of successful bids so far include Rossendale Valley Energy, a scheme which aims to create affordable, low carbon energy and healthy warm homes, at no upfront cost to residents by creating cheaper energy for the community.
Also among the recipients is Silverdale Parish Council, which is looking at low-carbon public transport options to link Silverdale railway station, village and the surrounding National Landscapes of Arnside and Silverdale by making Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles or EV available. It's hoped this will reduce private car use and associated CO2 emissions and improve public accessibility to healthcare facilities.
Meanwhile, a feasibility study is currently underway on proposals to bring more solar PV to rooftops in Preston thanks to Community Energy Preston. This is a not for profit community group in the town which is aiming to develop locally owned, renewable energy in Preston and the wider North West of England.
County Councillor Shaun Turner, cabinet member for Environment and Climate Change at Lancashire County Council, said:
"We're absolutely committed to protecting Lancashire's environment and as an organisation it is one of our four key priorities.
"Reducing greenhouse gases, ensuring infrastructure and services are resilient to climate change and clean, affordable energy are all incredibly important.
"As a council we also know how crucial it is that we work with communities and partner organisations so that we can achieve these aims, as we cannot do it in isolation.
"We want to build on all the good work that has already been done and I'm really looking forward to seeing more clean, affordable energy schemes in Lancashire."
Round 3 applications are open until 11:59pm on Sunday 1 September 2024 https://www.localenergynw.org/page/community-energy-fund.
To register your interest for future rounds or learn more about the funding please contact: NWNZHub@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk
Notes to editors
Community Energy Funding is split over two stages.
- The Stage 1 grant funding provides up to a maximum of £40,000 maximum to cover the professional costs of undertaking a feasibility study and producing a report to establish the technical and financial viability of a project.
- The Stage 2 grant funding provides up to £100,000 maximum to cover the cost of developing a project that has been able to demonstrate technical and financial viability. This includes the legal costs of securing a site, an environmental impact assessment, planning and permitting applications, and development of a business plan.