A London based community energy co-op has received £99,162 from independent trust Power to Change.
CREW Energy, which is registered as a community benefit society, will use the grant to promote and fund community ownership of renewable heat.
The grant comes from the trust’s Next Generation Fund, a £1m fund and expert support programme created to pioneer innovative community-led energy projects and business models.
CREW Energy aims to deliver renewable heat to three sectors: commercial buildings – with a particular focus on civic centres – shared ground arrays in blocks of flats, and domestic homes. With funding from the grant, the co-op will be able to develop projects in these three areas, train staff in assessing renewable heat needs and launch its first community share offer this summer.
Toby Costin, CREW chair said: “CREW Energy is very excited to have been awarded this grant as it will allow us to grow and support our local community on its path to sustainability.”
Will Walker, programme and investment manager of Community Energy at Power to Change, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to support CREW Energy in their development of a sustainable business model that focuses on the provision of renewable heat. Next Generation aims to pioneer innovative ideas in community-led energy, and CREW Energy are doing just that. We’re looking forward to seeing the project progress.”
Crew Energy has already identified its first civic site. The project is currently in a surveying and modelling phase, which will be followed by the launch of a share offer in the summer. Those living in southwest London who are interested in having a heat pump installed, can contact CREW directly at [email protected].
