Ridge Clean Energy (RCE) has launched a pilot programme aimed at supporting a Cambridgeshire community manage rising fuel costs ahead of the approaching colder months.
The developer will immediately distribute £15,000 of community benefit funding related to its 50MW Six Oaks solar and battery project in southern England, which has not yet been built.
It has called on other renewable energy developers to follow this example of offering community support even in the early stages of project development.
Six Oaks is expected to enter construction in 2026.
RCE community partnership manager Daniela Jenkins said: “Responsible renewable developers and operators commit to supporting their local communities.
“Our practise is to make meaningful contributions early in the development process, even before submitting planning applications.
“We have supported various community projects near Six Oaks and see this contribution to addressing fuel costs, with the help of local charities, as another way to show our commitment to the community.”
Chief executive Marjorie Glasgow added: “The UK renewables industry has important work to do over the next decade in decarbonising electricity and working with local communities to form strong partnerships.
“We see current positive policy as helpful on this process and we see more opportunities for renewable project owners to take the lead on making benefits real for local people. We hope this pilot project will be replicated elsewhere.”