New fund sees £300,000 to support clean energy projects in Cornwall communities

Innovative company energyshare announced the launch of energyfund Cornwall on Thursday, a £300,000 fund for Cornish renewable energy projects and ideas.

Energyshare is a renewable energy community, with River Cottage as one of its founding partners. The aim is to help community renewable energy projects across the UK through community engagement, raising awareness and delivering funding.

Energyfund Cornwall will help not-for-profits, encouraging groups to submit projects or ideas that will benefit their local area regarding renewable energy.

Energyshare is working with Cornwall Council on this initiative. Councillor Julian German, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for localism, said, “Energyfund Cornwall is very good news for Cornwall. It is also an exciting example of the positive benefits which can be achieved when communities work together.”

Abbie Brook, programme manager at energyshare, added, “By releasing this funding we want to truly transform the opportunities local groups have to generate their own energy and directly benefit their communities – taking the county an important step closer to energy security in challenging times.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Cornish communities to get their wind, solar, or other renewable technology projects to the next stage.”

The application process starts July 14 and all renewable energy ideas are welcomed, with groups encouraged to register on energyshare’s website. Anyone who applies will have help from an ‘energyfund coach’ who will help groups get their projects off the ground.

Clean energy projects need to show they have community support before they go forward and will do this through crowdfunding platform, Crowdfunder.

The alternative financing of Crowdfunder is becoming more popular and they are pleased to support community groups across the UK.

“This is a great example of how Crowdfunder can build bespoke campaigns to harness the power of the crowd for brands and partners. We are particularly pleased that we are pioneering this approach in Cornwall first”, said Phil Geraghty, managing director of Crowdfunder.

There will be an awards event in November for applicants of energyfund Cornwall where the winner’s success will be celebrated.

Photo: Portland General Electric via Flickr

Further reading:

‘Alternative’ finance no more: Crowdfunder on why it’s eyeing up the mainstream

Crowdfunding could provide much needed turbo-boost to clean energy investment

Seven steps: essential tips for successful crowdfunding

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage in £1m crowdfund

Energyshare unveils community investment competition