Great British Energy (GB Energy), the United Kingdom (UK) government’s clean energy-focused investment body, has awarded £10 million ($13.45 million) in grants to mayoral authorities to expand clean energy infrastructure for local communities.

It will expand the use of rooftop solar, battery infrastructure, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers in the country. Of the grant money, for instance, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority plans to support care homes and leisure centers with rooftop solar to save around £4.6 million ($6.2 million) on lifetime energy bills. Similarly, Greater Manchester will use rooftop solar for libraries, police stations, and sports centers.

In all, the government expects this funding to support libraries, fire stations, care homes, and other publicly owned spaces in local communities to bring down their electricity bills by a combined £35 million ($47 million) in lifetime savings.  

The savings can then be used for frontline services that strengthen local communities. The government also sees it as contributing to the country’s energy security and job creation. 

GB Energy had invited expressions of interest (EOIs) from Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) to fund renewable energy projects that can be delivered in financial year (FY) 2025-26. As part of its plans to install rooftop solar panels on around 200 schools and 200 hospitals in England, GB Energy has already had solar installed on 11 schools (see UK To Solarize 200 Schools & 200 Hospitals). 

Meanwhile, the UK’s solar industry is facing a tough decision ahead of the upcoming Allocation Round 7 (AR7) of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme. Reform UK, an opposition party, has warned the renewable energy industry not to participate in this round. If it comes to power in the next general election, Reform UK will strike down all contracts awarded (see Reform UK Warns Developers: Participate In AR7 At Own Risk).