Great British Energy opened applications on 17 September 2026 for £30 million in grants for community-owned clean energy projects, according to a Department for Energy Security and Net Zero press release. The department described the funding as a first payment toward up to £1 billion announced earlier in the year, with the aim of supporting more than 1,000 local and community-led projects across the UK.

The package includes a £20 million Community Fund for groups in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and a £5 million Partnerships Grant for local authorities in England and community energy partners. A further £1.8 million was allocated to the Scottish Government for its existing CARES programme, and up to £2.9 million was pledged for advice services. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh commented in the release.

The government said further details on offering communities an ownership stake in renewable projects would be set out in autumn 2026. The release also said over 150 renewable projects had switched on for public buildings in England's Mayoral Combined Authorities, with potential total bill savings of up to £50 million.