Community Energy London (CEL) welcomes the launch today of a new fourth round of the London Community Energy Fund (LCEF), which forms a key part of the Mayor of London’s £10m Green New Deal programme to invest in projects to boost green jobs, tackle the climate emergency and address inequalities across the city.
LCEF is an initiative by the Greater London Authority that aims to support community groups through the early development stages of energy projects. This can include undertaking feasibility studies, paying for technical consultancy fees or seeking legal advice. This new round of LCEF will also provide a share of the capital cost of projects to accelerate the pace of installation, helping fast track work to local businesses and stimulating employment at this difficult time for so many Londoners.
Toby Costin Chair of CREW Energy said:
“CREW Energy is delighted to hear that the GLA has announced another round of the London Community Energy Fund. The Mayor’s support for community energy has been vital to the development of many projects across the city, as well as bringing new groups forward who wish to contribute to tackling the climate emergency in their neighbourhoods.
“We are particularly excited that this round of LCEF will include capital investment for the first time, which will allow CREW to develop even more innovative projects.
“We look forward to submitting bids to support third sector organisations in South West London.”
Community Energy London Chair, Syed Ahmed, said:
“The Mayor's London Community Energy Fund has been hugely successful in driving community-led action on carbon reduction and fuel poverty projects across the city. London is now in the vanguard of community energy and at the same time we are seeing more and more Londoners who want to get involved. We are excited with this new expanded fourth round of the London Community Energy Fund, and groups will continue to focus on delivering projects that support those communities most affected by the pandemic."
Notes to editors
1.Full details of the new LCEF4 programme can be found on the www.london.gov.uk/community-energy-fund
Details of the Mayor’s Green New Deal funding package can be seen here.
2. The fourth phase of the London Community Energy Fund will support community energy projects such as solar panels on schools and community centres and electric vehicle charge points. The new fund includes up to £500,000 for community energy groups to deliver projects, as well as £165,000 for project development. The previous rounds of funding enabled 48 community energy projects across 81 buildings, saving up to 1,500 tonnes of carbon per year. Applications for grants will be open by the end of this month
3. Further information on CREW Energy can be found at http://www.crewenergy.london/
4. Community Energy London (CEL) was formed in 2017 and is an informal network of people and organisations with an interest in supporting the development of community energy projects across the capital.
CEL members have provided guidance and training on fuel poverty alleviation; have developed, fund raised and installed renewable energy generation projects such as solar PV and anaerobic digestion plant (AD); and worked on energy efficiency projects from insulation to high efficiency LED lighting.
CEL provides a route for groups to link up and share experiences, resources, best practice and skills gained through the development and delivery of their projects.
CEL also actively campaigns policy makers industry and wider stakeholders on the benefits for community energy, and worked closely with the Mayor of London in helping establish the London Community Energy Fund in October 2017.
Details of CEL’s members can be found at www.communityenergy.london
For further information contact syed@energyforlondon.org
@CommEnergyLDN