If your community group has an idea for a local energy project, now is a great time to start planning. The Great British Energy (GBE) Community Fund is expected to reopen soon, alongside a new Partnership Grant programme aimed at supporting collaboration between local authorities and community energy groups.

Great British Energy Community Fund

The fund is expected to offer:

  • Stage 1 funding: up to £40,000
  • Stage 2 funding: up to £100,000

Funding will continue to focus on helping community energy projects develop through feasibility studies and project planning. Applicants are also expected to provide three quotes for commissioned work.

What can you do now?

  • Start developing your project idea.
  • Review existing guidance and templates.
  • Explore delivery options and project feasibility.
  • Obtain early cost estimates and quotes.

Guidance is available from the Greater South East Net Zero Hub: https://www.gsenetzerohub.org.uk/what-we-do/community-energy/great-british-energy-community-fund/

There is also potential for a future Stage 3 capital grant to support projects moving into construction.

https://communityenergyengland.org/funding-opportunities/

New Partnership Grant

A new Partnership Grant is expected to launch alongside the Community Fund. This programme will support partnerships between local authorities (as lead applicants) and community energy groups.

Expected funding levels include:

  • Stage 1: up to £40,000
  • Stage 2: up to £100,000

Stage 1 funding is expected to support partnership development and early-stage feasibility work.

Getting ready

  • Build relationships with local authority partners.
  • Identify potential joint projects.
  • Develop draft proposals and budgets.
  • Explore partnership opportunities and project ideas.

Support Available

The Greater South East Net Zero Hub can provide advice and support to help organisations prepare strong applications.

If you have an initial project idea, contact community@gsenetzerohub.org.uk to register your interest and start shaping your application ahead of the funding launch.

Early preparation could help put your project in the strongest possible position when applications open.

We’d love to hear from you if you have a story you would like to share with us about how you are taking action to become more sustainable!