Renewable energy fund available for rural schools

Rural schools will be able to apply for a share of a £10 million government fund to help rural community projects to power their buildings with clean electricity and cut their bills

The Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) will offer grants of up to £40,000 for green initiatives include solar battery storage, wind, hydro and geothermal heat projects. Viable proposals will also be considered for further grants of up to £100,000 for business development and planning applications, as the government hopes to increase energy self-sufficiency in rural communities and boost jobs in green technology.

Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore, said: "It will take all corners of the country and sections of society to help us to tackle climate change on our path to becoming a net zero emissions economy and communities are at the heart of our mission for a greener planet.

"This £10 million fund can help sports clubs, churches and schools not only save money and reduce emissions by creating their own clean energy but also make money by selling it back to the grid."

The RCEF has already supported 152 community renewable energy projects in rural areas helping generate around 105,000 kW of electricity – enough to power the equivalent of nearly 30,000 homes. It’s also helped generate money for the community by selling electricity back to the grid.