North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub have announced the third and final round of the Community Energy Fund will open for applications on 19 August 2024.
The Community Energy Fund (CEF) is a £10 million grant scheme for urban and rural communities to develop energy services to benefit their local area.
The funding is intended to help community-based organisation kickstart clean energy projects including small-scale wind farms and rooftop solar partnerships, as well as battery storage, rural heat networks, electric vehicle charging points. It can also be used to fund fuel poverty alleviation schemes such as energy efficiency, retrofit, and advice projects.
The fund is for the development of projects from concept to investment-ready scheme. It does not provide capital funding for the installation of projects themselves.
Funding is provided in two stages:
- Stage 1 - Feasibility grants of up to £40,000 to pay for professional support to scope project feasibility.
- Stage 2 - Development grants of up to £100,000 for projects that have a good chance of securing planning permission and being implemented.
Applications will be considered from community-based organisations such as:
- Amateur sports clubs
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations
- Community Benefit Societies
- Community Interest Companies
- Co-operative Societies
- Development Trusts
- Faith Groups
- Pre-commencement societies
- Registered charities
- Registered Social Landlords (partnered with a community group)
- Town or Parish councils
Applicants need to show that a good level of community engagement has been carried out, and that there is genuine community support for the project, including plans for ongoing community engagement.
Round 3 will open for applications on 19 August 2024 and close on 13 October 2024.
Community Energy Fund - North East & Yorkshire Net Zero Hub (neynetzerohub.com)
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