16 January 2012 DECC

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne today announced the first 82 local energy projects to win funding from the new £10m Local Energy Assessment Fund.

Winning bids include opening show homes to demonstrate solid wall insulation to the public, schemes to check the energy efficiency of homes and invest in renewable energy, and events to promote the uptake of energy efficiency in local communities.

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, homegrown 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.”

The funding comes as the Government gears up for the launch of the Green Deal later this year, the first scheme of its kind in the world, aimed at radically overhauling the energy efficiency of millions of homes across the UK.

Organisations including parish councils, voluntary associations, development trusts and faith groups are all eligible to apply for LEAF funding.  Around 200 projects are expected to benefit in total and there is still time to apply – the second round will close to applications at noon on 20 January 2012 with successful communities notified at the end January. 

View the list of winners on the DECC website.