Funding is being made available to kick-start green energy projects across the West of England, with grants on offer to communities in Bath & North East Somerset.
West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles, said: “I’m committed to tackling the climate emergency and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Local green energy generation has an important role to play in this and I urge community groups to come forward and take advantage of this funding.
“As well as helping the environment, community renewable energy generation can reduce fuel poverty and provide new jobs for the local community.”
Applications for the West of England Local Energy Scheme must be in by the end of February 2020.
Grants of at least £100,000 will be awarded to innovative projects of up to 5 megawatts that deliver real community benefits.
Applicants must be small and medium-sized enterprises, such as community energy companies.
You can find out more at https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/local-energy-scheme/.
Feasibility grants of up to £40,000 for projects at an early stage are also available through The Rural Community Energy Fund.
If successful, communities can subsequently apply for further funding of up to £100,000.
Applications for the current funding round are open until 23rd March 2020. To find out more visit: bit.ly/swrcef.
Alongside this work to support businesses and communities, WECA has also invested £5m to kick-start the new Centre for Digital Engineering Technology & Innovation (DETI) and revolutionise the region’s advanced digital engineering sector.
DETI will work with leading companies and support industry to reduce carbon emissions by producing better products that are lighter, more fuel-efficient and create less waste.
