Funding for Local Authority-Community Energy Organisation Partnerships in England

Grants for councils and community enterprises to work together to transform places across England

Great British Energy (GBE) has launched the new £5 million Partnerships Grant to support local authorities in England working with a community energy partner, to bring forward clean energy projects that deliver lasting local benefits.

The England-based pilot is a new two-stage grant scheme designed to accelerate local clean energy projects through strong Local Authority and community partnerships.

Funding is intended to help establish and strengthen partnerships, develop project proposals, undertake feasibility and development activities, and build a pipeline of investable projects that can progress to delivery and secure future funding.

Projects may contribute to a range of longer term outcomes if they successfully progress to delivery.

These could include:

  • New local energy generation capacity.
  • Reduced energy costs for local communities and public buildings.
  • Increased community ownership and participation in energy projects.
  • Jobs, skills and volunteering opportunities.

A total of £5 million is available.

Funding is available to support two stages:

  • Stage 1 grants of up to £40,000 to form a partnership and test the viability of a project (feasibility).
  • Stage 2 grants of up to £100,000 to take a project that has proven feasible into detailed development.

All grant funding must be defrayed and claimed by 31 March 2028.

As the lead partner, Local Authorities must apply either with an existing community partner or use funding to identify and establish a suitable community partner during Stage 1.

Eligible local authorities are the following:

  • County Councils
  • District Councils
  • Unitary Authorities
  • Metropolitan Districts
  • London Boroughs
  • Combined Authorities.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible for this funding.

There will be a single application window with the possibility of further windows if funding remains available.

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