The Community Energy Fund is a new £10 million programme that helps communities in England to develop clean energy projects to benefit their local areas. It is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and to be administered by the five Net Zero Hubs in the Midlands, North East, North West, South East and South West of England.
The Community Energy Fund (CEF) follows the success of the former Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) and expands its scope to include urban areas.
The Fund can support projects under two broad headings: Community energy asset projects (such as renewable or low carbon energy, electric vehicles) or community energy efficiency or advice projects.
Funding is not available for capital works, equipment or service delivery, and cannot be used to cover costs incurred prior to the grant offer.
Projects and applicants are expected to meet the Fund’s eligibility criteria. Please scroll down to access the guidance documents for the Fund.
The Stage 1 grant funding provides up to a maximum of £40,000 maximum to cover the professional costs of undertaking a feasibility study and producing a report to establish the technical and financial viability of a clean energy project.
Before preparing an application for Stage 1 funding you should submit an expression of interest form to the Community Energy Fund team at the Greater South East Net Zero Hub CEF@gsenetzerohub.org.uk. Please note: The expression of interest form is intended to provide the team with some initial information about your idea, it will not be assessed for the purpose of awarding funding and does not have to be perfect. The Community Energy Fund team will then contact you to discuss your project in more detail and provide you with advice to help you prepare a suitable application.
Scroll down to access all relevant forms and documents for stage 1, which are set out below. Please ensure that you read all the documents provided.
The stage 2 grant funding provides up to £100,000 maximum to cover the cost of developing a project that has been able to demonstrate technical and financial viability. This includes the legal costs of securing a site, an environmental impact assessment, planning and permitting applications, and development of a business plan.
Before preparing an application for Stage 2 funding you should submit an expression of interest form to the Community Energy Fund team at the Greater South East Net Zero Hub CEF@gsenetzerohub.org.uk. Please note: The expression of interest form is intended to provide the team with some initial information about your idea, it will not be assessed for the purpose of awarding funding and does not have to be perfect. The Community Energy Fund team will then contact you to discuss your project in more detail and provide you with advice to help you prepare a suitable application. Scroll down to access all relevant forms and documents for stage 2, which are set out below. Please ensure that you read all the documents provided.
Round one – 15 January 2024
Round two – 8 April 2024
Round three – *DATE TO BE SUPPLIED*
Round four – *DATE TO BE SUPPLIED*
Round five – *DATE TO BE SUPPLIED*
Please note that the dates shown here relate to the submission of application forms only. There is no deadline for the submission of expression of interest forms, which can be submitted continuously.
Click HERE to access the recording of a presentation about the Fund, which was made by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub at a recent webinar arranged by Community Energy England.
