The Department of Energy and Climate Change has revealed the first 82 energy projects to gain financial help from the government. As part of the Local Energy Assessment Fund, £10 million will be given to local energy saving projects.
The organisers of energy projects around the country were able to bid for funding. Some of those to be announced are show homes demonstrating wall insulation and schemes to check energy efficiency of homes.
Energy secretary Chris Huhne said: “We face a gigantic challenge in the coming years to keep the lights on and energy bills down. This means nurturing cleaner, more secure, home-grown energy sources here in the UK so we are not so dependent on imported gas, and boosting the energy efficiency of our homes and businesses to cut out waste.
“Local communities, with their energy, drive and innovation, are going to be at the heart of this effort, and I hope that this funding acts as a booster rocket to the winning projects.”
This £10 million funding is all in preparation for the launch of the coalition’s flagship energy programme, the Green Deal. This scheme is the first of its kind anywhere in the world and will help to boost energy efficiency for millions of UK homes.
It’s expected that 200 projects will be supported by this funding, known as LEAF. The second round of applications will close on January 20 and parish councils, voluntary associations, development trusts and faith groups are all eligible to apply.
On average, each project will be entitled to a £50,000 grant and all work needs to be completed by March 31.
Energy efficiency in homes includes wall cavity insulation, loft lagging and double glazing. All of these retain heat in properties, reducing fuel bills and cutting carbon emissions. So not only is there a financial saving, but the environment is helped as well.
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