Welsh communities were offered new grant funding to build and own local clean energy projects under a Great British Energy programme announced on 17 September 2026, according to a government press release published on 23 September 2026. The release said £30 million was being launched as a first payment on up to £1 billion announced earlier in the year, with the aim of supporting over 1,000 local and community-led clean energy projects across the UK.

The package includes a £20 million Community Fund for community organisations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, requiring applicants to show a defined legal and financial interest for the community and a defined share of benefits retained locally. A further £2.8 million was earmarked for advice services.

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh and Wales Secretary Stephen Kinnock both described the funding as putting decisions and benefits in local hands. Great British Energy chief executive Dan McGrail said the grants offer practical support to get projects started. The release said further details on community ownership stakes in renewable projects would be set out in autumn 2026.