Stage 1
Partnership formation and feasibility. Up to £40,000 to form your partnership and test whether a project is viable.
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GBE Partnerships Grant
Grant funding for local authorities in England working with a community energy partner, to bring forward clean energy projects that deliver lasting local benefits.
Key facts
Funding: Up to £40,000 or £100,000, depending on the stage
Who it's for: Local authorities in England currently working with a Community Energy Group, or wanting to work with one.
Where: England
Technologies: Solar, wind, storage and other technologies. See the fund guidance for the full list.
Total funding: Up to £5 million over 2026 to 2027
Application window: Open for 8 weeks
What you can get
Stage 2
Development. Up to £100,000 to take a project that has proven feasible into detailed development.
Who can apply
The local authority is the lead applicant. You must be a local authority in England, applying with a community energy group that provides a letter of support.
Community organisations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can apply to the GBE Community Fund. In Scotland, Great British Energy is supporting community energy through investment in CARES programmes delivered by Local Energy Scotland.
How to apply
Applications are made through our online application form.
The application window is open for 8 weeks.
In England, your Local Net Zero Hub can give tailored advice and review your draft application before you submit.
Read the full fund guidance and download the application materials here.
How we choose projects
We check eligibility first, then score applications on organisational capacity and governance, project viability and deliverability, community ownership and benefit, finance and value for money, and risk management. We aim for a good geographical spread and to include areas that have had less support.
We look at the benefits a project could create, including community ownership, local reinvestment, lower energy costs where applicable, and long-term value for the area.
Common questions
The GBE Partnerships Grant is an England-based pilot. It will test how grant funding can help local authorities and community energy groups work together to develop clean energy projects.
Great British Energy also supports local and community energy through separate funding and support in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
No. However, Great British Energy is supporting community energy development in Scotland through investment in CARES programmes delivered by Local Energy Scotland.
No, existing partnerships are not required. The grant can be used to establish and develop new local authority–community partnerships. Applicants should identify their intended partners and demonstrate a credible approach to working together and delivering the proposed activities.
We have published shared ownership guidance and template documents. More finance and support will follow later this year.
Ready to apply?
Start your application, or tell us about your project first using the express your interest form.