Communities across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are set to benefit from a significant increase in funding for local renewable projects, supplied by the publicly-owned company Great British Energy (GB Energy).

GB Energy has committed to backing over 1,000 community and local energy projects over the next five years. Following an initial pledge of £9.3 million, the company has now increased the renewable funding dedicated to the UK's devolved nations by £12 million, bringing the total allocation to over £21 million.

The Scottish Government is receiving an additional £5.5 million from GB Energy. This new funding, combined with Scottish Government investment, is already supporting the announcement of 23 new community projects. In total this year, the combined efforts have resulted in 71 funding offers to community energy projects across Scotland, ranging from a community solar farm on the Isle of Arran to wind farms in Aberdeenshire.

Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin emphasised the local impact: "Community-led energy projects are at the heart of Scotland's journey to net zero. By empowering local groups to generate their own clean energy with local solutions, we are not only cutting emissions but also reducing costs and creating resilient communities. These projects show what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision for a sustainable future. This funding is giving communities the tools and confidence to take control of their own energy needs, keep money circulating locally, and build a fairer, greener economy. Scotland's transition to net zero must be inclusive and fair, and community energy is a vital part of ensuring that everyone benefits from the opportunities of a clean energy future."

-- Advertisement --

GB Energy is supporting the Welsh Government with an additional £6.6 million, building on more than £2.8 million previously announced in March. This funding is dedicated to installing solar panels on public sector buildings, including schools, museums, and leisure centres across Wales. It also supports the Welsh Government's new Ymestyn scheme, which assists public sector bodies and communities in delivering projects such as battery energy storage and solar canopies.

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, noted the financial benefits: "We are driving towards a net zero public sector by 2030, and this funding will help us get even closer. Thanks to this funding, organisations across Wales will see their energy bills falling in a matter of months."

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added: "Wales is at the centre of the UK's clean energy industry which is already delivering the well-paid, highly-skilled jobs of the future. This funding from GB Energy, which includes solar panels in public buildings across Wales, will bring lower bills as well as help our drive towards energy security."

In Northern Ireland, GB Energy funding is earmarked to help Further Education Colleges benefit from clean energy through the installation of Solar PV technology across a number of their sites.

The funding is part of the government's Local Power Plan, which aims to ensure the benefits of the clean power mission—including economic growth, energy security, and good jobs—are felt across the UK, while also supporting public services.

UK Government Minister for Energy Michael Shanks commented: "Great British Energy is empowering communities in every nation of the UK to take a stake in their own energy. This is our clean energy superpower mission in action – putting communities in the driving seat of energy generation and making sure working people and local businesses profit."

Dan McGrail, CEO of Great British Energy, stated: "Communities are at the heart of our clean energy future. By increasing our support for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Great British Energy is ensuring that communities benefit directly from the transition to renewables – through lower bills and greater energy security. This funding will help unlock hundreds of projects that will not only provide clean energy to communities but also help accelerate our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower."

This announcement follows a prior £255 million investment to roll out solar panels on 260 NHS sites, over 250 schools, and military sites in England, and a £10 million grant fund for Mayoral Strategic Authorities in England to deliver local clean energy projects.

Last week, GB Energy, which is headquartered in Aberdeen, laid out its plans to deliver 15 GW of clean energy generation and storage, as well as mobilise £15 billion of private finance to bolster the UK's energy supply and shield billpayers from global fossil fuel price volatility.