Community groups in Newcastle are being encouraged to explore new opportunities to develop their own clean energy projects as the Labour Government launches a major new package of support through Great British Energy.
Nearly £30 million of new support is being made available to help communities and councils develop locally owned renewable energy projects, giving local people a greater stake in the transition to clean energy.
The package includes a new £20 million Community Fund, which will provide grants to community organisations to test, develop and build community-owned clean energy projects. To qualify, communities will need to have a defined legal and financial interest in the project, with a share of the benefits retained locally.
A further £5 million Partnerships Grant will help councils work alongside community energy organisations to accelerate projects that can provide lasting benefits for local areas.
Projects could range from solar panels on community buildings to larger community-owned renewable energy schemes, helping to reduce energy bills while ensuring more of the financial benefits generated by clean power remain within local communities.
The new funding is the first stage of up to £1 billion of support for local and community energy, with the Government aiming to support more than 1,000 community-led clean energy projects across the UK.
The announcement comes as Great British Energy investment is already delivering renewable energy projects across the North East. The North East Combined Authority has been awarded up to £1.2 million through the Mayoral Renewables Fund, supporting solar and renewable energy installations on public buildings across the region.
Newcastle Labour is encouraging community organisations across the city to look at whether the new Community Fund could help turn ideas for locally owned renewable energy into reality.
Councillor Ged Bell, Leader of Newcastle Labour, said:
“This is exactly the kind of investment we want to see, giving communities the power and the resources to take a direct stake in our clean energy future.
“Newcastle has community organisations doing fantastic work in neighbourhoods right across our city, and I would encourage groups to look closely at these new opportunities and consider whether there are projects they could bring forward.
“Community energy isn’t only about tackling climate change. It has the potential to cut bills, strengthen community organisations and make sure that the financial benefits of generating clean energy stay in the communities where that energy is produced.
“We also want Newcastle City Council to make full use of the new partnership funding and work with local organisations to identify opportunities across our city.
“Under Labour, Great British Energy is putting public and community ownership at the heart of Britain’s clean energy future and making sure local people benefit from the transition.”
The Government has also confirmed plans for communities to be offered ownership stakes in larger renewable energy developments in their areas, allowing local people to share directly in the proceeds generated by clean power. Further details are expected later this autumn.
Great British Energy says the programme is designed to ensure communities can benefit through lower bills, local investment and income that can be reinvested in local services and neighbourhoods.
Applications for the new community energy grants are now open.