The UK government is set to empower communities to take control of their own renewable energy initiatives with a new funding program worth £1 billion. The move is designed to support locally-owned solar, wind, and other clean energy projects on public buildings and community land.

Launched on 10 February, the Local Power Plan, developed in partnership with Great British Energy (GBE), aims to help citizens and local authorities develop energy solutions tailored to their communities. It marks the largest public investment in community energy in the country’s history.

Community energy projects have already shown promise across the UK, with successful initiatives in Bristol, Wales, and the Island of Skye. These projects allow communities to manage energy locally, similar to the model in Germany, where roughly 40% of renewable energy capacity is owned by citizens.

Dan McGrail, CEO of Great British Energy, said the organization plans to support an initial 1,000 community-led projects. “Our goal is to expand clean power generation while improving energy security and protecting consumers,” McGrail explained. Residents will have the option to develop smaller projects, like solar panels on community buildings, or invest in larger renewable projects nearby.

GBE has already allocated £5 million to community energy projects in England, approving 53 initiatives ranging from solar panels on places of worship in Leicestershire to a solar farm in Wiltshire. Across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the organization has invested £21.5 million in similar projects.

The initiative is expected to accelerate the UK’s clean energy transition and provide communities with greater control over how their energy is produced and consumed.