The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has a £150,000 of his London Community Energy Fund to 13 solar energy projects across eight boroughs, including solar panels on schools, churches, sports centres, and even a city farm. Grants awarded will help fund the development costs associated with setting up solar projects before they can move to installation and start supplying clean and cheap electricity to the community. The projects include solar for ten tower blocks in Lambeth, five schools in Ealing, a spectator stand at a sports centre in Haringey, and a Methodist Church in Southwark.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“London has a wealth of buildings that can harness solar energy, but we're simply not making enough of them. Generating clean, local electricity can help cut bills, and bulk buying will make solar panels more affordable. I’m also working with Transport for London to expand the use of solar power and energy efficiency across their buildings. I’m delighted to see so much interest in community energy, which is just one part of my plan to make London a zero-carbon city by 2050.”
Community Energy London had this to say:
"Community Energy London (CEL) has welcomed today's announcement by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, that 13 solar projects are to be supported across eight London boroughs.
The London Community Energy Fund (LCEF) was announced in 2017 in the Mayor's Draft Solar Action Plan, with £400,000 allocated to support feasibility studies for community solar projects. Today's first tranche of funding will direct £150,000 to bring forward 1MW of solar PV capacity on schools, churches, sports centres, and even a city farm.
CEL look forward to working with the Mayor to realise his ambition for London to become a zero carbon city and provide cleaner affordable energy to Londoners. CEL will be working with the GLA over coming months to encourage both existing and new groups to apply for future tranches of funding, and also looking to expand feasibility funding into areas such as energy efficiency projects and fuel poverty alleviation."
Afsheen Kabir Rashid, COO and co-founder, Repowering London and CEE Chair said:
“We are committed to creating local energy within socially-deprived neighbourhoods and challenging urban environments. The Mayor’s funding will help us perform technical assessments at schools and community buildings in Dalgarno in Kensington. Working with local residents and community groups, we can deliver community-owned solar energy, along with real opportunities for local tradesmen, residents, and young people.
Dr. Giovanna Speciale, CEO, South East London Community Energy and CEE board member said:
“The London Community Energy Fund has provided vital support to community energy groups in London. It allows us to bring the benefits of renewable energy to schools, churches, and leisure centres. We are delighted to be working with Mayor to transform London into a clean, green, affordable city.”
Community Energy London Chair, Syed Ahmed said:
"London has a number of fantastic community solar projects installed on buildings ranging from schools and universities to churches and tower blocks, all of which have been created, developed and funded by local community groups. The government's closure of the Urban Community Energy Fund was a major blow to the ambition of groups looking to develop further projects. We are therefore pleased to see the Mayor has acted on recommendations made by the sector - as set out in Community Energy London's report, 'Realising the Vision' - and taken action to establish the London Community Energy Fund."