Local libraries, fire stations, care homes and community centres could see reduced energy costs under a new funding initiative from Great British Energy, the government’s publicly owned clean-energy company.
The company has allocated £10m in grant funding to mayoral authorities for the deployment of renewable energy projects in community buildings.
Projects may include rooftop solar installations, battery storage systems, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers in areas such as Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.
It is estimated that these initiatives could generate approximately £35m in lifetime savings on energy bills, while enhancing energy security and creating jobs.
Great British Energy is already rolling out solar installations in the public sector, having installed solar panels on eleven schools so far, as part of a broader ambition to reach roughly 200 schools and 200 hospitals in England.
Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, said:
“Your local sports hall, library and community centre could have their energy bills cut by Great British Energy, the government’s publicly-owned clean energy company.
Our plans will mean more money can be spent on the services that make working people better off and help strengthen the ties that bind us in our communities.
This is what Great British Energy is all about – taking back control to deliver lower bills for good.”
Dan McGrail, CEO of Great British Energy, commented:
“Today’s support for new clean power projects in every region in England shows our mission in action – providing a lasting positive impact for the country by creating new jobs, lower bills, and a cleaner future.
It’s important that communities feel the benefits of the energy transition and that we demonstrate the very real rewards it can bring.”
Liverpool City Region plans to use the funding to support rooftop solar in care homes and leisure centres, targeting £4.6m in lifetime energy bill reductions.
Greater Manchester’s programme, covering libraries, fire stations, police stations and sports centres, is expected to save over £2.1m over its lifetime.
In York and North Yorkshire, projects include solar panels for an Edwardian swimming pool and leisure centres in Whitby, Ripon and Thirsk, with projected lifetime savings of about £4m.
These community-level efforts build on a broader scheme announced in March, which allocated £180m for rooftop solar on schools and hospitals, with potential lifetime savings of up to £400m over thirty years.
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