Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent progress Great British Energy has made in developing its Local Power Plan to support community-owned clean energy projects.

Through up to £1 billion investment in a combination of grants, loans, advice, expert help and more, the Local Power Plan will accelerate the build out of clean power in communities across the country delivering on Great British Energy's (GBE) commitment to support at least 1000 local and community-led clean energy projects. It represents the largest public investment in community energy in this country’s history.

In September this year, GBE launched £30 million of funding to kick start the community power revolution. This will help community organisations to develop community owned clean energy assets in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; local authorities in England to accelerate clean energy projects; and the Scottish government to support community energy in Scotland.

This builds on the up to £255 million GBE Solar Partnerships Scheme that will see solar and complementary technologies installed on around 250 schools, 260 NHS sites, and multiple military sites delivering lifetime savings of up to £520 million. Additionally, over £16 million has been allocated to Mayoral Strategic Authorities to support renewable energy on public buildings.