England: Combined Grant and Loan Scheme for Rural Communities Started
Since 28 June the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) offers a combination of grants and loans to rural communities for the planning stage of renewable projects. Among solar thermal all other renewable technologies are eligible. “This investment will help kick start hundreds of clean green energy projects in rural areas across England. This new fund will give aspiring communities access to the cash they need to make this happen,” says Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker in a press release published on 28 June 2013.
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Country / Region |
Great Britain / Rural Communities in England |
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Name of programme |
Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) |
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Type of incentive |
Combined Grant and Loan for financing steps in the development phase of projects including the following technologies |
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Eligible technologies |
Community scale solar thermal and photovoltaics, wind turbines, micro hydropower, heat pump , biomass, bio liquids and biogas |
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Applicable sectors |
Rural communities |
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Amount |
Up to total Pound Stirling (GBP) 150,000 in two stages:
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Requirements |
Only proposals requiring planning permission are eligible. Applicants for funding must form a legal entity and must be planning a renewable energy project which provides a defined benefit to the community, for example: reduced energy costs for the community and investment in community facilities. Applicants must have a demonstrable degree of community engagement and support. |
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Technical requirements |
No special technical requirements as the fund is not for equipment or installation |
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Finance provider |
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
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Total funds |
GBP 15 million |
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Funding source |
Public funding |
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Effective date |
28 June 2013 |
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Expiration date |
No expiration date. Programme ends when budget runs out. |
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Website |
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Contact |
Water and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) The Old Academy |
