Six community projects across the North West have been awarded a share of more than £78,000 in funding to help support the region’s transition to net zero.  

Electricity North West has awarded the money as part of its annual Powering our Communities scheme, which supports the development of community and local energy initiatives in the region from solar projects to on-farm renewable schemes.

Helen Seagrave, community energy manager at Electricity North West, said: “The North West has some of the most ambitious net zero targets in the UK, and achieving them will require us all to play a part in using less power or generating greener, cleaner energy in future. These local projects are tackling that head-on.

“For us, it’s the fourth year of the Powering our Communities Fund and we’ve been blown away once again by the strength of the applications we received.”

Cumbria Action for Sustainability is involved in two projects for the area, including one in partnership with the Cumbria Farmer Network that will investigate the viability of on-farm renewables in Fell Foot.

Meanwhile, more than £50,000 has been awarded to four projects across Greater Manchester to support with the city-region’s aim to be net zero by 2038, 12 years ahead of the UK’s overall target.

Leigh Building Preservation Trust plans to use its £8,500 funding to research the renewable and conservation energy options for a historic mill while the Salford Diocesan Trust will invest £15,000 in a feasibility study for investment in solar power across their estate which includes a portfolio of more than 1,500 buildings.

Middleton Co-operating will look to establish a local solar power co-operative to identify locations to place panels on buildings and land in the town, while residents in Sholver have partnered with Carbon Coop to engage younger generations in the town’s energy transition plans.

Find out more about the six projects and the Powering Our Community fund, here on Electricity North West’s website.