The Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) provides non-capital grant funding to help community organisations with the development of a renewable energy project. It is open to a wide range of community organisations, and the final round of funding has a deadline for applications of 14th September 2020.
Community organisations can bid for up to £40k funding for feasibility stage, with a further £100k available for full business plan development. Full information on the RCEF scheme, including what is eligible and full guidance on how to apply, are available on the website: https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/south-west-energy-hub-rcef/
Organisations that are interested in making an application should fill in the pre-application questionnaire listed on the website. If they email this to SWenergyhub@westofengland-ca.gov.uk, then the South West Energy Hub can then provide them with assistance in developing their full application.
The list of carbon reduction technologies that the RCEF scheme is able to cover includes:
- Solar photovoltaic
- Solar thermal
- Anaerobic digestion
- Wind turbines
- Heat pumps (air, ground and water-source)
- Heat networks (renewable fuels only)
- Hydropower
- Bioliquids/gas/fuels
- Multi-technology approaches (e.g. can include energy efficiency, battery storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, grid services and demand side management).
And the list of organisation types which are eligible to apply includes:
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Community Benefit Societies (Bencoms)
- Co-operatives
- Pre-commencement societies
- Registered Social Landlords
- Registered Charities
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Development Trusts
- Amateur sports associations
- Town or Parish councils
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