community

The money will support an energy grant fund and go towards a fuel poverty advice service

On average, heat network consumers have lower energy costs than standard customers. That’s according to a government survey of 5,000 people, which show these customers are generally as happy with their heating systems as those using traditional gas systems. Community heating specialist Switch2 Energy welcomed the results, highlighting the fact households on Heat Trust registered schemes […]

A consultation to decide the future of Scotland’s Crown Estate opened yesterday. The Scottish Government is seeking views on how best to manage and devolve the lands owned by the group, which includes much of the country’s foreshore and seabed. The consultation will run until 29th March. It follows calls from those who suggested the […]

M&S Energy has unveiled the winners of its £350,000 Community Energy Fund. The scheme saw nearly 80,000 people vote for their favourite project to win funding so they could install renewable technology or energy efficiency measures in community spaces. A total of 26 projects ranging from schools, sports clubs and a pub have been awarded […]

Irish towns and villages are to receive €20m (£16.7m) in funding across 38 community energy projects. Denis Naughten, Communications Minister for Climate Action and Environment, announced the launch of the Better Energy Communities (BEC) scheme which will be run by the  Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. This year’s funding will provide energy efficiency upgrades for more than […]

A 5MW community solar farm has started generating power in West Sussex. Meadow Blue Community Energy (MBCE) raised £1.2 million for the project located near Merston. It is expected to provide enough electricity for more than 1,500 homes. The project was developed by Solstice Renewables and constructed by Solarcentury.   Chris Rowland, Director at MBCE […]

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has launched a new community energy fund worth £350,000. The initiative will support green community energy projects and technologies across the UK for the second year. Last year, the British retailer awarded 26 projects a share of £400,000 fund. They included the installation of solar panels in schools, charities and biomass schemes. Any not […]

Around £9 million is to be invested in a community wind power scheme across the Highlands and Islands. Scottish Equity Partners’ (SEP) investment will fund the roll-out of around 200 single onshore wind turbines. Hamsin Wind is expected to save more than 5,000 tonnes of CO2 per year or more than 100,000 tonnes over the […]

A total of 33 community groups will receive a share of £211,000 for environmental projects. The cash comes from the Challenge Fund launched by Ireland’s Department of the Environment (DOE). Some of the projects include transformation of waste ground into an area of allotments and vegetable gardens and raising awareness around recycling. Environment Minister Mark […]

A new £400,000 fund to help UK communities go green has been launched. Not for profit organisations such as gyms, a libraries or a schools can apply for a share of the ‘M&S Energy Community Energy Fund’. The winners will be decided by public vote, allowing local communities to pick the project they believe offers the […]