Getting finance for community energy
Finding funding to turn passion and great ideas into reality is one of the fundamental issues that every community energy group will face.
We are committed to providing support every step of the way.
From 2023-28, we will have four community energy engineers who will be able to help and advise project leaders in the South West, South Wales and the East and West Midlands. In addition, these engineers will be offering surgeries where community energy groups can have one-to-one guidance.
In 2021, nearly £12 million was secured for new renewable projects across the UK. More than £7 million was received by groups in England, with the Rural Community Energy Fund and local authorities being the main funders.
The Welsh Government Energy Service was the principal source of funding in Wales but significant grants were also supplied by the Big Lottery Fund.
There are many different sources of funding, including:
- Government
- Local authorities
- Community shares/bonds
- Trusts
- Charitable foundations
- Innovation funds
- Banks and other financial investors
- Loans
- Crowdfunding
- Covid recovery funds
Community Energy England is a not-for-profit organisation representing the sector. Its website has a section dedicated to sources of funding, including a spreadsheet with details of the latest available funding channels.
Find out more here: Funding opportunities - Community Energy England
Similarly, Community Energy Wales supports the low carbon transition at a local level in the principality. Discover funding opportunities in Wales here: Finance - Community Energy Wales.
To learn more about our community energy activities, please email fchanda@westernpower.co.uk