DECC has today announced an £8million funding for a low carbon heating scheme for community groups in the UK.

It is part of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment Scheme (RHPP) and will assist communities to support domestic renewable heat installations in privately owned homes.

Community-based organisations such as voluntary groups, social enterprises and development trusts can apply for the funding to install low carbon heating like solar panels, biomass boilers and heat pumps in their local areas.

Phillip Sellwood, CEO at the The Energy Saving Trust, the social enterprise that manages the competition said: “Working together can make the process of upgrading to renewable heating easier and more affordable for everyone. 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.”

DECC expects to support between 50 and 100 projects with the fund and will announce the winners at the end of the year.