Net Zero Grants in the United Kingdom

Funding Information

• Minimum grant value of £2,500 so the minimum total project value is £5,000 as grants require at least 50% match funding.
• The expected grant average for this scheme is £25,000, with a total project value of £50,000, although applicants can apply for up to a maximum grant value of £200,000.

What they can fund?

This list is not exhaustive, but examples include:

• Renewable energy generation infrastructure as part of a wider location based CO2e savings project.
  • Energy generated must primarily be for use on site.
• Energy storage as part of a wider location based CO2e savings project.
  • e.g in conjunction with renewable energy generation and increased efficiency.
• Fabric energy efficiency measures e.g. insulation.
  • Where appropriate, applicants should consider whether fabric energy efficiency measures may be used before the installation of low carbon heating or energy generation measures.
• Low carbon heating measures.
• EV charging infrastructure for business use only vehicles (e.g. delivery vehicles, customer use).

What they can’t fund?

• Activity to reduce CO2e associated with new business activity.
• Carbon offsetting.
• Installation of renewable energy generation infrastructure for commercial gain, such as a solar farm, or to reduce energy bills only.
• Stand-alone energy storage or energy storage capacity simply to take advantage of a lower overnight tariff.
• Fossil fuel heating measures.
• Wages or salaries.
• New for old or replacement goods and services.
• Projects that have already started, i.e. financial or contractual commitments have already been made.

Criteria

• You must read and answer YES to these questions first before applying:
  • Do you have or are you willing to commit to producing a decarbonisation plan for your organisation?
    • Applicants invited to full application will have access to support to complete a decarbonisation plan.
  • Is your business or organisation a legal trading entity?
    • e.g. limited company, sole trader, partnership or CIC?
  • Do you have a dedicated bank account?
  • Can you provide your latest full set of business accounts?
  • Is your business and/or project located in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly?
  • Will your proposed activity/project be completed before 31st December 2024?
  • Does your enterprise currently pay the Real Living Wage or is prepared to commit to paying by 31st December 2024?
  • Successful grants are paid in arrears. Can you cash flow your project costs before a claim is made?
  • Can your business or organisation provide at least 50% match funding for the project?

For more information, visit Cornwall Council.