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Government launches £15m rural community energy fund
A £15 million fund has been launched by the government to help rural communities set up their own renewable energy projects., writes Utility Week.
The Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) opened to applications last week (28 June) and aims to help projects with the set up costs.
The first funding stage of the RCEF offers grants of up to £20,000 for feasibility studies into renewable energy projects, while a £130,000 loan is then available to help with project costs, such as seeking planning permission and relevant environmental permits.
Once the schemes have then attracted private investment to establish and set up the projects, the loan is repayable to the government, including a set amount on top of the loan, which is then rolled back into the fund.