What is the Great British Energy Community Fund?
The Great British Energy Community Fund (GBECF) is designed to help local communities transition to sustainable energy solutions, promoting greater control of their energy needs, reducing carbon footprints and creating a greener future for all.
£5 million worth of funding is available to projects across the UK, with five Net Zero Hubs responsible for delivering the programme on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to have feasibility studies and specified development work fully funded.
"Our plans will mean more money can be spent on the services that make working people better off and help strengthen the ties that bind us in our communities."
Which organisations are eligible for the Great British Energy Community Fund?
The Great British Energy Community Fund can be accessed by charitable incorporated organisations, community benefit societies, community interest companies, co-operative societies, development trusts, pre-commencement societies, registered charities, registered social landlords, registered societies, town or parish councils, faith groups, and sports clubs.
Where can I access the Great British Energy Community Fund?
You can access the GBECF across the UK, with five Net Zero Hubs nationwide on hand to deliver the programme. The Net Zero Hubs can be found in the following regions:
- Greater South East Net Zero Hub
- Midlands Net Zero Hub
- North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub
- North West Net Zero Hub
- South West Net Zero Hub
How does GBECF funding work?
Up to £140,000 is available for each project. The funding is split into two stages, depending on your needs.
Stage 1 – Feasibility Grant
£40,000 is available to communities exploring the possibility of a renewable energy project that meets the GBECF criteria. The capital can cover consultancy and professional costs associated with developing a feasibility study.
Stage 2 – Development Grant
Up to £100,000 worth of funding can be claimed for projects that demonstrate a good chance of implementation and securing planning permission. Some uses of this funding include investing in the possible purchase of land, environmental impact assessments, planning and permitting application submissions, and the development of a full investment business plan.
The Great British Energy Community Fund application process
- Check if your organisation and projects meet eligibility criteria
- Read the guidance documents for stage 1 and stage 2 in full
- Complete the application form, including details about your objectives, budget and expected impact, and send it to the relevant Net Zero Hub’s email address. Be sure to attach any other appropriate documents too
- Wait for your application to be accepted or denied following a review from the Community Energy Team and external experts. You should receive your outcome by November 12th 2025
- If successful, you will receive funding and support to bring your projects to life. Capital will be allocated to successful applicants on a first-come, first-served basis, and you have up to 12 months from the date of your funding offer to complete the project
"The Great British Energy Community Fund is an excellent opportunity to get eco-friendly projects off the ground. The capital available is more than enough to make a huge difference to local areas across the UK."
The benefits of the Great British Energy Community Fund
- Empower local people to deliver energy projects that benefit their community
- Generate clean energy while promoting private investment in scale-up projects
- Support the growth and strength of communities while generating jobs for local people
- Enable UK towns and cities to benefit from clean, affordable and locally-sourced energy
How can Eddisons help with my Great British Energy Community Funding?
There are several ways that Eddisons can assist with the GBECF. Starting with your application, we are here to guide and advise you through the process. Our experience with similar projects means we have a track record of getting green scheme applications approved.
Following this, we can assist with both stages 1 and 2 of the scheme. Our team can carry out feasibility studies and support each aspect of the development grant. This full package of services is perfectly suited to the Great British Energy Community Fund, as it allows us to streamline processes along the way.
Let us help manage your GBECF application and carry out the works
Our experienced Decarbonisation team are here to support your Great British Energy Community Fund application. Please call 0800 051 2593 or complete the form below to discuss your plans with an expert.
