Local Net Zero Hubs across England are supporting communities and local government organisations to access nearly £30m of grant funding launched today by Great British Energy
Groups, organisations, and local authorities can put forward their ideas for local clean energy projects – ranging from solar panels on community buildings to resident owned heat networks – to help bring down bills, cut emissions, and grow wealth by channelling profits generated back into the area.
Following the heatwaves and extreme weather events seen this year, the funding will put communities at the heart of UK climate action – empowering them to move away from fossil fuels with their own clean energy supply that will help to tackle the climate crisis.
The funds aim to support over 1000 local and community-led clean energy projects. These will be owned or co-owned by community energy groups or local authorities, meaning local areas can reap the full benefits – from reduced bills for local services to ensuring profits from the clean power generated flow back into towns and villages.
Two new funds were opened for applications on September 17th 2026 and will close on November 12th 2026.
- GBE Community Fund – offering grant funding to help community organisations to test, develop and build community-owned clean energy assets. This Fund includes capital funding for the first time.
- Partnerships Grant – a new scheme offering grant funding to help Local Authorities and community energy partners develop joint clean energy projects that will provide lasting local benefits.
More information about the funds and how to apply can be found here.
Funding has also been provided to the Net Zero Hubs to support delivery of capacity and capability work covering technical and application advice in their regions.
In previous years Local Net Zero Hubs have administered Community Energy Funds on behalf of Department of Energy Security and Net Zero and GBE.
The administration of funds will now be managed through a national portal, but Hubs will continue to play an active role to support communities in their region of England through the grant application process with tailored advice.
Prime Minster Andy Burnham said:
“I know many people are worried about climate change and feel like they’ve got no control over where their energy comes from, or how they can actually make a difference.
“Today we’re changing that by giving people power. Whether it’s solar panels on a local library or a community-owned wind farm, we’re letting people decide what clean energy projects they want and making sure they feel the benefits of the clean energy transition in their pockets too.”
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said:
“All of us felt deep concern for our climate during the record-breaking temperatures we experienced this summer.
“Ahead of New York Climate week, we are putting power in the hands of people and places, so more communities can take action.
“Everyone deserves a stake in our energy future and through these local power projects, communities can reap the full benefits of clean energy – reducing emissions, cutting bills and reinvesting profits to benefit local areas, instead of big energy companies.”
CEO of Great British Energy Dan McGrail said:
“Great British Energy is continuing to put communities at the heart of the clean energy transition with the GBE Community Fund and Partnerships Grant. Our vision is that every community should have the chance to build and own its own renewable energy. These grants will give community organisations and local authorities the practical support they need to get clean energy projects off the ground – lowering bills, supporting jobs and putting the benefits from energy into local hands.”
Alongside funding specific local power projects, the government will also set out further details this Autumn on plans for community energy groups to be offered an ownership stake in renewable energy projects. This aims to create partnerships between communities and developers that will see proceeds of clean power flow back into local areas.
