Sheffield Renewables has been successful in securing £13,925 from the Community Energy Peer Mentoring Fund to assist the Dearne Valley Eco Vision to develop community renewable energy projects. This support includes:
- Helping to establish a community organisation within the Dearne Valley
- Running a Share Offer or help with raising alternative finance
- Business planning, including renewable energy finance structures
- Training for volunteers on setting up community energy schemes
- Designing education materials for all 45 schools in the Dearne Valley to maximise the benefits of the scheme
- Project managing the first Solar Photovoltaic (PV) scheme with the aim of the Dearne Valley organisation and volunteers being able to take forward future PV schemes with minimal support. “How to” guides will be developed to further ensure this
- Work with the Eco-Vision team to identify future projects.
The Dearne Valley was once one of the most industrially polluted areas in Western Europe but aims to be the lowest carbon community of its type in the country.
Our volunteers have already participated in several meetings with head teachers at schools in the Dearne Valley who have been enthusiastic and expressed an interest in being involved.
The Community Energy Peer Mentoring Fund is a new £500,000 government fund to help community groups to reduce energy bills and manage energy. The aim is to give larger groups the resources to mentor smaller energy groups that often work in isolation, with no formal networks for skills sharing or mentoring with larger more established organisations.
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey said:
“This new fund will give aspiring communities access to the cash they need to help kick start hundreds of clean, green energy projects.
Not only can community energy projects boost local economies and drive forward green growth, they can also help save money on energy bills too.”
We are currently looking for people who may be interested in being involved in this project either as a volunteer or a potential Board member. If you would like more information, please email emma@sheffieldrenewables.org.uk