The Solent is part of the South West Energy Hub set up in late 2018. They work with organisations and communities across the South West and the Solent region, to identify, develop and implement low carbon energy projects.
The energy hub is one of five that have been established across England, funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. For the wider South West, the West of England Combined Authority is the lead partner in the project and hosts the energy hub team.
The South West Hub covers seven Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas including the Solent LEP.
They provide free expert advice and support to get energy projects started. Supporting options appraisals, feasibility studies, business cases, planning applications, and financing.
The South West Energy Hub manages the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF); it provides grants to cover feasibility studies and development costs for community renewable energy projects in rural areas. Grants of up to £40,000 are available at the feasibility stage. Further development funding of £100,000 is on offer for projects with a high chance of success.
Read examples of projects they have supported in the Solent area:
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