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Wind turbines

What is the Local Energy Scheme?

The Local Energy Scheme supports and funds renewable energy projects across the West of England. The Scheme is helping us to deliver our commitments to increase renewable energy generation, decarbonise local energy systems and support local communities in the West of England. The scheme has had multiple rounds, awarding money to ambitious projects.

 

Applications open

How to apply

To apply:

  1. Read the application guidance below.
  2. Request an application form, by emailing renewables@westofengland-ca.gov.uk.
  3. Then, one of our expert team will follow up with you to discuss next steps.

If you have any queries about this grant, please contact Micaela Basford, Renewable Energy Project Manager on 07770 814462 or renewables@westofengland-ca.gov.uk

Previous projects

Discover information and case studies from previous energy projects supported by grant funding via the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

Wind turbine
Round 1 fund award

Ambition Community Energy (ACE)

Round 1 awarded £500,000 to Ambition Community Energy (ACE) to build a 150-metre wind turbine in Avonmouth, delivering 4.2 megawatts (MW) renewable energy generation capacity and enough electricity to power over 3,000 homes. This community-led project supports the delivery of the Ambition Lawrence Weston Community Plan.

Read the case study

Solar farm
Round 2 fund award

Bath and West Community Energy and Cleveland Pools

Round 2 awarded £250,000 to Bath and West Community Energy BWCE to install a 2.1MW solar farm at Fairy Hill in Compton Dando.

£77,000 was also awarded to Cleveland Pools to install infrastructure for a water source heat pump for the pools’ heating.

Read the case study

Heat pump
Round 3 revenue award

Successful community energy

Round 3 Revenue awarded more than £340,000 to feasibility and development projects in July 2024. The six successful projects are:

  1. Bath & West Community Energy project to accelerate heat pump roll-out for £74,801
  2. Bath & West Community Energy project to develop a wind site with potential for solar for £74,853
  3. The Keynsham Community Energy project to install rooftop solar for £20,400
  4. The Clean Energy Prospector project to develop a virtual power plant £75,000
  5. Great West Air Ambulance Charity project to support development of solar farm and battery for £50,000
  6. Bristol Energy Cooperative project to accelerate development of community energy sector in South Gloucestershire for £59,950

The first round of the Scheme was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It is now funded by the West of England Recovery Fund and Green Recovery Fund. The £60m Green Recovery Fund was set up to help us meet our climate and ecology ambitions.

European Regional Development Fund logo