The North West Net Zero Hub, in partnership with Lancashire County Council, has launched the Community Energy Fund, a £2 million initiative aimed at supporting local community groups and voluntary organizations in developing renewable energy projects. The fund is part of a national £10 million program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean, affordable energy.
The Community Energy Fund is designed to help local communities generate and reduce their consumption of fossil fuel-based fuels, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The fund is open to community groups and eligible voluntary organizations in urban and rural areas, providing them with the opportunity to apply for funding to develop energy projects in their communities.
Examples of successful bids so far include Rossendale Valley Energy, a scheme that aims to create affordable, low-carbon energy and healthy warm homes for residents at no upfront cost. The project will create cheaper energy for the community, reducing energy bills and promoting energy efficiency.
Cllr Shaun Turner, Lancashire County Council’s environment boss, emphasized the importance of protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gases. “As an organization, it is one of our four key priorities,” he said. “We’re committed to working with communities and partner organizations to achieve these aims, as we cannot do it in isolation.”
The council is encouraging more community-led clean energy schemes in Lancashire, recognizing the potential for local initiatives to make a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions. “We want to build on all the good work that has already been done and I’m really looking forward to seeing more clean, affordable energy schemes in Lancashire,” said Cllr Turner.
The Community Energy Fund is a unique opportunity for local communities to take control of their energy future and make a positive impact on the environment. By supporting community-led renewable energy projects, the fund aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy, create affordable energy for local communities, promote energy efficiency and reduce energy bills, support local economic growth and job creation, and enhance community engagement and participation in environmental initiatives.
The fund is open to applications from community groups and eligible voluntary organizations in Lancashire, and the deadline for submissions is [insert deadline]. Applications can be made online through the North West Net Zero Hub website.
To apply for the Community Energy Fund, community groups and eligible voluntary organizations must submit an application form, which can be found on the North West Net Zero Hub website. The application form will require information on the proposed energy project, including project description and objectives, energy generation and consumption data, project timeline and budget, community engagement and participation plan, and environmental impact assessment.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts, and successful bids will be awarded funding to support the development of their energy project. The funding will be used to cover the costs of project development, including feasibility studies, design and engineering, and installation and maintenance of the energy project.
The Community Energy Fund is not limited to specific types of energy projects, and community groups and eligible voluntary organizations are encouraged to submit applications for a wide range of projects, including solar panel networks, wind farms, hydropower, rural heat networks, electric vehicle charging points, and car clubs.
The fund is designed to support community-led projects that are owned and controlled by the local community, and that demonstrate a clear commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy. The fund is not intended to support large-scale commercial projects, but rather to support small-scale, community-led initiatives that can make a significant impact on the local environment.
The Community Energy Fund is part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy in Lancashire and the North West region. The region is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the Community Energy Fund is an important step towards achieving this goal.
The fund is also part of a national effort to promote community-led renewable energy projects, and is supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The national program aims to support community-led renewable energy projects across the country, and to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Community Energy Fund is a unique opportunity for local communities to take control of their energy future and make a positive impact on the environment. By supporting community-led renewable energy projects, the fund aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for Lancashire and the North West region.
The fund is open to applications from community groups and eligible voluntary organizations in Lancashire, and the deadline for submissions is [insert deadline]. Applications can be made online through the North West Net Zero Hub website. For more information on the Community Energy Fund and how to apply, please visit the North West Net Zero Hub website or contact Lancashire County Council’s environment team.
The Community Energy Fund is a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for Lancashire and the North West region. By supporting community-led renewable energy projects, the fund aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and create a more sustainable future for local communities.