The Local Power Plan is the Government’s newly launched strategy for delivering the largest ever expansion of community-owned green energy. This will mean putting renewable energy developments in the hands of local residents, enabling them to generate their own cheap, clean energy. The new Local Power Plan works towards delivering the Government’s world leading commitment to double the size of the co-operative sector.
The new Local Power Plan, delivered by Great British Energy (GBE), will provide £1bn to support the scale up of renewable energy projects. GBE will provide a package of support to local residents, local authorities, and new and existing community energy groups.
In devolved nations, GBE will work to complement existing support programmes for community energy development (i.e. Ynni Cymru in Wales & CARES programme in Scotland) and assist in identifying new community energy opportunities.
Grants and loans will help to support community energy development at every stage of the project – from feasibility to installation.
Helping to build capacity and capability for community energy groups
Including making it easier for communities to sell power, making it easier to connect to the grid and making it easier for communities to own a stake in energy projects.
Community energy projects are community-led and owned renewable energy developments – helping to generate energy, store energy and improve energy efficiency. Community energy generation can incorporate different forms of renewable energy, including solar, hydro and wind power.
Community ownership means local residents become co-owners of installations. These co-owners are part of a democratically run enterprise, which generates and delivers energy to the grid – helping to power homes and property across the country. Community energy projects – which are commonly found on local public buildings (schools, hospitals, etc.) and land – help to generate profits that are reinvested locally to supporting both community projects and residents.
Community energy groups also often provide energy efficiency and retrofitting services, helping households and businesses to lower their energy usage and carbon emissions
Community energy provides a range of benefits – helping to establish an inclusive green energy transition and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. For consumers, the Local Power Plan will help to lower energy bills, reduce fuel poverty, and encourage more energy efficient behaviour. The growth of community energy will increase the uptake and generation of renewable energy, lower carbon emissions and create new green jobs.
GB Energy will be working closely in partnership with local and strategic authorities on the deployment of the Local Power Plan and its funding programme. The relationship will aim to:
Local authorities can submit an expression of interest in the Local Power Plan with GB Energy. This will build a pipeline of potential investable projects – with the opportunity to begin coordinated engagement on potential community energy development.
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