Grants

News - Low Carbon Buildings Programme grants for householders, communities, and commercial groups
In May-June 2006 the government launched the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP). The scheme succeeds both the DTI’s Clear Skies and Major PV Demonstration programmes, and its aim is to raise public awareness and support for renewable energy and microgeneration. 

The LCBP supports the installation of both household and community scale schemes, and now also extends to medium to large scale community or commercial schemes. The programme is divided accordingly into two streams: 
Stream 1 (a) Householders and (b) community organisations (i.e. not-for-profit organisations such as local authorities, hospitals, schools, local groups, charities etc.)
Stream 2 Major microgeneration projects (owned by businesses and community organisations).

Grants are available for the following eligible technologies:

• Solar photovoltaics
• Solar water heating 
• Wind turbines
• Small hydro 
• Ground, water or air source heat pump heating systems
• Wood fuelled heating systems (automated pellet stoves and wood-fired boilers)
• Renewable combined heat and power (CHP)
• Micro CHP
• Fuel cells

The amounts available are as follows:

• The Stream 1 grant for householders varies according to the technology type but is subject to a maximum of 30% (50% for solar PV) of the total installed cost excluding VAT.
• The Stream 1 grant for community groups is a maximum of 50% of the total installed cost excluding VAT or £30,000, whichever is smaller. 
• The Stream 2 grant for medium-large scale projects is yet to be defined.

Requirements include the following:
As before, all grants are applicable only to projects using the specific products and installers accredited with the scheme, and must be applied for before any installation work commences. 

In addition, there is now a requirement that the installation must be attached to and/or supplying a permanent building on the site (either on or off the electricity grid). 

Applicant householders must also show that they have undertaken reasonable energy efficiency measures in their home. 

All applications are considered on a first-come-first-served basis.

For more details on the criteria, and how to apply, visit the Low Carbon Buildings Programme website at www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk or call 0800 915 0990. 

TV Energy Community Renewable Energy Grant Update
The Community Renewable Energy Grant is run by TV Energy in partnership with the Countryside Agency and the Environment Agency.  In 2003 a total of 18 grants were awarded to support the development of new renewable energy projects with the support of local communities in Berkshire , Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and North Hampshire.  

Other Funding

DTI Succeeding Through Innovation Programme
Funding available for the development of renewables projects (larger scale preferred). Support is also available for research into technologies that will assist the connection of higher levels of embedded and intermittent generation to the existing network.  

The grant is open to all organisations working in partnership (e.g. industry and academia).

In total £8 million has been allocated for the first call for applications in June 2004, and more funding is expected for a second call in Autumn 2004.

For more details visit the Succeeding Through Technology Programme website www.dti.gov.uk/technologyprogramme

Knowledge transfer networks will also to be supported (first call for applicants Autumn 2004).

Scottish Power Green Energy Trust
The programme offers support to community based renewables projects that aim to create new renewable generation facilities in the UK and promote renewable energy generation through further development or education.

Submission packs are available from:

The secretary, Scottish Power, Green Energy Trust, Zone 23, Cathcart Business Park, Spean Street, Glasgow.  G44 4BE

In addition to these funding programmes, further grants are available.  If you will like to find out about these and those already listed please email deborah.stoer@tvenergy.org