As of 10:31 AM BST on Thursday, July 24, 2025, Great British Energy, the UK government’s publicly-owned clean energy company, is driving a transformative initiative to reduce energy costs for community facilities across England. Through a £10 million grant funding program, mayoral authorities are implementing clean energy projects, including rooftop solar panels, battery storage systems, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, in public buildings such as libraries, fire stations, care homes, and leisure centres. These projects are projected to deliver approximately £35 million in lifetime energy bill savings, enhance energy security, create jobs, and support the UK’s ambition to become a clean energy superpower by 2030. This thought leadership article provides actionable insights for community facilities and business decision-makers, detailing the process to join the scheme, the benefits of participation, and why readers are valuable leads for clean energy providers offering tailored solutions.
Market Trends and Funding Dynamics
Great British Energy’s £10 million grant funding program is a pivotal step in the UK’s clean energy transition. Research suggests that the initiative, with £9.2 million allocated across various projects, has a total expected project cost of £14.5 million. These projects are anticipated to deliver £1.2 million in annual energy bill savings and £35 million in lifetime savings, offering a strong return on investment. The funding supports a range of clean energy technologies tailored to local needs, including:
- Rooftop Solar: Installed on public buildings such as care homes, leisure centres, libraries, and fire stations to reduce electricity costs.
- Battery Storage: Deployed in regions like Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire to store renewable energy for later use, enhancing efficiency.
- EV Chargers: Installed in Greater Manchester to support the transition to electric vehicles, reducing fuel costs for communities.
This initiative builds on Great British Energy’s earlier £180 million investment in rooftop solar for approximately 200 schools and 200 hospitals, with 11 schools already equipped. These efforts are part of the government’s Plan for Change, aiming to deliver clean power by 2030 while improving community welfare.
The following table details the funding allocations and expected savings for successful Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) schemes:
| MSA | Technology | Project Type | Grant Funding Requested (£) | Total Expected Project Cost (£) | Estimated Net Yearly Average Savings (£) | Estimated Net Lifetime Savings (£) |
| Greater Lincolnshire | Solar | Leisure centres and fire stations | 607,845 | 627,845 | TBC | TBC |
| South Yorkshire | Solar | Schools, outdoor covered market, library | 572,025 | 615,397 | 51,938 | 1,558,131 |
| Greater London Authority | Solar | Schools | 607,838 | 674,220 | 30,376 | 911,280 |
| Hull and East Yorkshire | Solar | Service buildings and car parks | 700,000 | 1,842,879 | 89,822 | 2,694,647 |
| Cambridgeshire and Peterborough | Solar | Police headquarters, car park, border canopies | 700,000 | 774,226 | 51,630 | 1,548,886 |
| Greater Manchester | Solar, Battery, EV | Libraries, fire stations, police stations, sports centres | 695,900 | 1,301,800 | 71,846 | 2,155,384 |
| North-East | Solar | Schools | 700,000 | 749,946 | 46,060 | 1,381,806 |
| York and North Yorkshire | Solar | Leisure centres, libraries, schools, transport sites | 700,000 | 1,219,948 | 134,898 | 4,046,936 |
| West Yorkshire | Solar, Battery | Police stations, plant nursery, school, sports centres | 700,000 | 1,154,838 | 275,669 | 8,270,082 |
| Tees Valley Combined Authority | Solar | Depot and public buildings | 444,738 | 444,738 | 34,664 | 1,039,911 |
| Liverpool City Region | Solar | Leisure centres and care homes | 700,000 | 760,319 | 152,402 | 4,572,054 |
| East Midlands | Solar | Former colliery | 700,000 | 1,900,000 | 113,340 | 3,400,200 |
| West Midlands | Solar | Schools | 700,000 | 820,000 | 58,474 | 1,754,207 |
| West of England | Solar | Schools | 700,000 | 1,657,522 | 54,123 | 1,623,697 |
| Total | 9,228,346 | 14,543,678 | 1,165,241 | 34,957,222 |
Note: Figures are initial estimates and may be refined as projects become operational.
Process for Community Facilities to Join the Scheme
Community facilities interested in joining the Great British Energy scheme must collaborate with their local or regional authorities to access funding. The process involves the following steps:
- Identify Eligibility
- Confirm that the facility is a public building serving the community, such as a library, care home, leisure centre, or fire station.
- Ensure the facility is located within a region covered by a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) or a regional Net Zero Hub, such as Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, or West Yorkshire.
- Verify that the proposed project aligns with the scheme’s goals of reducing energy bills and supporting community needs.
- Contact Local or Regional Authority
- Reach out to the local mayoral strategic authority or regional Net Zero Hub for guidance on applying for funding. For example, facilities in Liverpool City Region should contact the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
- Regional Net Zero Hubs, such as the East Midlands Net Zero Hub or North East Net Zero Hub, provide advice on applying for the Great British Energy Community Fund.
- Visit the Community Energy England website for resources and contact details for regional Net Zero Hubs.
- Develop a Project Proposal
- Collaborate with the local authority to develop a proposal for a clean energy project, such as installing rooftop solar panels, battery storage systems, or EV chargers.
- Ensure the proposal demonstrates feasibility, potential energy bill savings, and alignment with local community priorities.
- Highlight how the project will benefit the community, such as reducing costs for vulnerable groups or creating local jobs.
- Submit Application Through Local Authority
- The local or regional authority will submit the application to Great British Energy on behalf of the facility, as part of their overall funding request.
- Applications must include detailed project plans, cost estimates, and expected savings, as seen in the successful MSA schemes listed above.
- Receive Funding and Implement Project
- If approved, the facility will receive funding through the local authority to implement the clean energy project.
- Work with approved contractors or suppliers recommended by Great British Energy or the local authority to ensure compliance with scheme requirements.
- Projects must be completed within the 2025/2026 financial year to maximize impact.
- Monitor and Report Savings
- Once operational, monitor energy bill savings and report outcomes to the local authority.
- Great British Energy and local authorities may use this data to refine future funding allocations and showcase the scheme’s success.
Regional Impacts
The funding is delivering tangible benefits across various regions:
- Liverpool City Region: A £700,000 grant funds rooftop solar installations on care homes and leisure centres, expected to save £4.6 million over their lifetime, with annual savings of £152,402. This allows reinvestment in critical community services.
- Greater Manchester: A £695,900 grant supports solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers on libraries, fire stations, police stations, and sports centres, with estimated lifetime savings of over £2.1 million.
- York and North Yorkshire: A £700,000 grant funds solar panels on leisure centres, libraries, schools, and transport sites, including an Edwardian swimming pool in York, with projected lifetime savings of £4 million.
- West Yorkshire: A £700,000 grant supports solar and battery storage projects at police stations, a plant nursery, a primary school, sports centres, and Lotherton Hall Estate, with estimated lifetime savings of £8.3 million.
These projects not only reduce energy costs but also strengthen community services by freeing up budgets for frontline operations, boosting local economic growth.
Broader Context: Schools and Hospitals
This initiative builds on Great British Energy’s earlier £180 million investment to install rooftop solar on approximately 200 schools and 200 hospitals across England. With solar panels already installed on 11 schools, this program is expected to deliver up to £400 million in lifetime bill savings, targeting deprived areas to ensure equitable benefits. By reducing energy costs for education and healthcare facilities, Great British Energy is enabling significant reinvestment in public services, further amplifying the economic and social impact.
The Role of Clean Energy Providers
Business decision-makers reading this article are prime prospects for clean energy providers, as they are actively seeking ways to reduce operational costs through sustainable investments. The success of Great British Energy’s initiatives demonstrates the viability of clean energy projects, offering a blueprint for businesses to follow. By investing in solar panels, battery storage, or EV infrastructure, companies can achieve significant cost savings, enhance their sustainability profiles, and contribute to the UK’s clean energy goals. Clean energy providers can leverage these insights to engage with businesses, offering tailored solutions to meet their specific needs.
Quotes from Key Figures
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the community benefits:
“Your local sports hall, library, and community centre could have their energy bills cut by Great British Energy. Our plans will mean more money can be spent on the services that make working people better off and help strengthen the ties that bind us in our communities. This is what Great British Energy is all about – taking back control to deliver lower bills for good.”
Source: UK Government Press Release
Great British Energy CEO Dan McGrail added:
“Today’s support for new clean power projects in every region in England shows our mission in action – providing a lasting positive impact for the country by creating new jobs, lower bills, and a cleaner future. It’s important that communities feel the benefits of the energy transition and that we demonstrate the very real rewards it can bring.”
Source: UK Government Press Release
Rob Gilbert, director of supply chain at Great British Energy, highlighted the economic impact:
“From an economical standpoint, it makes a huge amount of sense in terms of our broader mission to help deploy clean power in aid of local communities and local power projects into the supply chain, so that we create the jobs, skills, and career opportunities, but also the industrial base for the future.”
Source: Solar Power Portal
Regulatory and Policy Context
The initiative aligns with broader regulatory changes supporting the UK’s clean energy transition:
- Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate: Requires 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans to be zero-emission in 2024, rising to 80% and 70% by 2030, complementing the deployment of EV chargers. Source: UK Government
- Great British Energy Bill: Passed in May 2025, this legislation formally established Great British Energy, enabling its investment in community energy projects and banning forced labor in solar supply chains. Source: Solar Power Portal
- Contracts for Difference (CfD): Supports larger-scale solar projects, allowing Great British Energy to focus on community and public sector initiatives. Source: UK Government
These policies create a supportive framework for clean energy adoption, encouraging both public and private sector investment.
How Clean Energy Providers Can Leverage This Article
Business decision-makers reading this article are actively seeking to optimize their energy strategies, making them valuable leads for clean energy providers. Providers can use these insights to:
- Demonstrate Expertise: Highlight knowledge of clean energy trends and funding opportunities to build trust with potential clients.
- Offer Tailored Solutions: Provide customized solar, battery, or EV charging solutions to meet specific business needs.
- Engage with Clients: Initiate conversations using the article’s examples to showcase the financial and environmental benefits of clean energy investments.
- Capitalize on Demand: With growing interest in sustainability, providers can target businesses inspired by Great British Energy’s success to drive new partnerships.
Businesses and community facilities are encouraged to consult with clean energy providers to explore funding opportunities and implement projects that mirror the cost-saving and sustainability benefits seen in this initiative. For community facilities, contacting local authorities or visiting Community Energy England for Net Zero Hub details is a critical first step.
Emerging Trends
Several trends are shaping the future of clean energy in the UK, offering opportunities for businesses and providers:
- Community Energy Focus: Public investment in community projects sets a precedent for private sector involvement in local energy solutions.
- Technological Integration: Combining solar, battery storage, and EV chargers enhances energy efficiency and cost savings, a model businesses can adopt.
- Job Creation: The clean energy sector is creating new employment opportunities, driving economic growth and innovation.
Conclusion
Great British Energy’s £10 million funding initiative is a transformative step towards a greener, more resilient future for UK communities. By cutting energy bills for libraries, care homes, and other vital services, these projects free up resources for frontline services while supporting the UK’s clean energy goals. Community facilities can join the scheme by working with their local mayoral strategic authority or regional Net Zero Hub to develop and submit project proposals. Business decision-makers reading this article are prime prospects for clean energy providers, as they seek to replicate these savings through sustainable investments. By following the outlined steps, engaging with providers, and staying informed about regulatory changes, facilities and businesses can achieve significant cost savings and contribute to a sustainable future. Great British Energy’s success serves as a model for how public and private investment can drive economic and environmental progress, ensuring no community is left behind in the clean energy transition.
Image by Hoan Ngọc