Community-based organisations can now apply for funding to install renewable heating systems such as heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal hot water under the Government’s £8 million renewable heating fund.
On Tuesday the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced the launch of the community part of the Renewable Heat Incentive’s Renewable Heating Premium Payment scheme. Community co-operatives, social enterprises and voluntary groups will be able to bid for a share of the £8 million pot available.
Under the scheme between 50 and 100 community renewable heating projects will be offered support. Certain criteria will be taken in to account such as a project’s vision and the benefits it offers for the local area. Applications must be submitted to the Energy Saving Trust by 7 September and the lucky winners will be announced at the end of the year.
Commenting on the scheme’s launch, Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “Clean green generation at a local level is a key part of our energy future and I hope that communities of all shapes and sizes will get on board and take advantage of all this scheme has to offer.”
“This scheme will provide a great opportunity for community groups to prove once again that they can have a real impact in reducing carbon emissions and energy costs in their homes, whilst empowering communities to be more sustainable,” added Energy Saving Trust CEO Phillip Sellwood.
Under a similar scheme aimed at social landlords 72 projects are to receive up to £175,000 each to help fund the installation of renewable heating technologies. The South West featured heavily in the number of winning bidders.
