‘People’s Power’ projects to give more control over local energy
The UK government launched a £30 million fund to support over 1,000 community-led clean energy projects, aiming to cut bills, boost local wealth, and tackle climate change through locally owned renewable schemes.
Communities across the UK will gain the ability to develop and control their own clean energy projects, including solar panels, wind farms, and hydro schemes, under the new People’s Power initiative. Local authorities and community groups can now progress plans to generate power locally, reducing reliance on external energy suppliers and cutting costs for public services. The initiative follows record summer temperatures linked to climate change, positioning communities to take direct action against rising emissions. Funding will support projects owned by local groups or councils, ensuring profits and savings remain within towns and villages rather than flowing to energy companies.
Great British Energy is launching £30 million in initial funding to kickstart a community power revolution, part of a broader £1 billion commitment announced earlier this year. The funding aims to support over 1,000 local clean energy projects across the UK, with applications opening for grants in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. An additional £1.8 million has been allocated to the Scottish Government to bolster its existing community energy support programme. The initiative follows the installation of 157 rooftop solar projects in Mayoral Combined Authorities, saving up to £50 million in energy bills for local services.
The government will also outline plans this autumn for community energy groups to take ownership stakes in renewable projects, aligning with models used in Germany and Denmark. This approach ensures proceeds from clean energy flow back into local areas, supporting jobs and reinvestment in public services. Great British Energy is seeking investor input to shape future products, while continuing to provide up to £16 million in support to Mayoral Combined Authorities for additional solar installations. The initiative builds on existing efforts to revive local amenities like pubs and libraries through community-owned energy schemes.
Great British Energy’s Community Fund marks the first phase of a £1 billion investment in local and community energy under the Local Power Plan. Community Energy England welcomed the fund as a critical step toward reducing bills, enhancing energy resilience, and keeping energy benefits within generating communities. The Partnership Fund will enable councils and community enterprises to collaborate on transforming local areas through renewable projects.