Funding

There are various sources of funding for microgeneration renewable energy projects. Some of the funding is provided by agents of the government while some are provided by private energy companies; yet others are provided by other commercial organisations.

The funding supports various renewable energy technologies and must adhere to the guideline set out by the awarding body or organisation.

The amount of funding provided is not uniform but varies according to the policy of the awarding body.

One important fact to note is that fund providers insist on energy efficiency measures being first implemented on existing buildings before they are qualified for funding grant.

Below is a list of available funding for renewable energy technologies:

1) Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP)

- Phase 1: Provides grants to householders
- Phase 2: Provides grants for public sector and charitable organisations

2) Community Sustainable Energy Programme (CSEP)

The CSEP is run by Building Research Establishment (BRE) as an award partner of Big Lottery Fund and is aimed at the promotion of renewable energy technologies at the community level. It also covers energy efficiency measures.

http://www.communitysustainable.org.uk/index.jsp

Applications for the award are considered at definite time periods. See the link below for a guide on deadlines.

http://www.communitysustainable.org.uk/filelibrary/Funding_Rounds_V1.0.pdf

3) Bio-energy Capital Grants Scheme

Bio-energy Capital Grants Scheme is funded by BERR and DEFRA and is aimed at the promotion of the installation of biomass-fuelled heat and combined heat and power projects in the industrial, commercial and community sectors. Schools are eligible under the community sector and the grant provides a variable rate of up to 40% of the difference in cost of installing the biomass boiler or CHP plant compared to installing the fossil fuel alternative. It’s however subject to a maximum of £100,000 per installation and there is no minimum threshold.

Round 4 of the scheme started on 9th of April, 2008 and will end 20th May, 2008. Future rounds of the scheme will be run in autumn, 2008, 2009 and 2010; depending on the availability of funds.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/crops/industrial/energy/capital-grants.htm

4) Scottish Power Green Energy Trust

The Scottish Power Green Energy Trust is a charity funded by Scottish Power and aimed at promoting the uptake of renewable energy technologies across England. It also aims at promoting the education of communities on renewable energy issues. Projects are required to meet the two criteria of producing renewable energy and supporting communities through education and public engagement. The trust can provide up to 50% of project cost up to a maximum of £25,000. There is no strict time schedule that applications must be made. The trustees meet three times a year and on each sitting, decide on applications submitted. The link to the trust is:

http://freight.quix.co.uk/Default.aspx

5) E.ON Source Fund

E.ON Source Fund is targeted at Community energy production or energy efficiency measures. It’s open to communities, charities and other not-for-profit organizations across England, Wales and Scotland, with a maximum cap of £30,000.

Deadlines for 2008 round are:

Friday 25 April 2008
Friday 3 October 2008

http://www.eon-uk.com/about/2688.aspx

6) The Co-operative Grant

The grant is Co-operative Groups funding for sustainable community projects in its areas of operation. It’s not specifically renewable energy based but renewable energy projects which meet the criteria set out by the company can benefit from the funding.
Detailed information can be found in:

http://www.co-operative.coop/ourcampaigns/modernco-operation/thecooperativefoundation/howandwhentoapply/#3

7) O2 It’s Your Community Award

O2 It’s Your Community Award is similar to the Co-operative Group grant. Further details could be found at:

http://www.itsyourcommunity.co.uk/Default2.aspx