Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has announced that £30 million of government funding will be made available for community renewable energy projects and public energy efficiency programs.

• A new £10 million local energy assessment fund will be available to support local communities develop renewable energy projects.
• An additional £20 million in loans will be available for energy efficiency in schools, universities, hospitals, local authorities and other public sector buildings.

Community Projects

The new fund will be administered by the energy saving trust and plans to support around 200 local community schemes. Around £50k will be available to each successful applicant being organisations including parish councils, voluntary associations, development trusts and faith groups.  The funds are available in the short term only and projects need to be completed by the end of March 2012. Interested organisations can apply via the Energy Saving Trust website from 7th December 2011 until 20th January 2012 by following this link: www.greencommunitiescc.org.uk/

Public Sector Schemes

A further £20 million has been made available to public sector energy efficiency schemes in England that are completed before the end of March 2012. The funding comes in the form of Salix loans which are provided for energy efficiency projects that pay for themselves within 5 years through reducing energy bills. The loan is repaid from the money saved on the bill and once completely repaid, the owner will continue to benefit from the energy saving equipment. Interested parties should apply to Salix Finance Limited: www.salixfinance.co.uk