Great British Energy has announced £12 million of extra funding for renewable energy in the devolved nations.
The publicly owned company recently announced it would back over 1,000 local and community energy projects over the next five years.
The additional £12 million brings funding up to £21 million, following an initial pledge of £9.3 million for the devolved governments to use for renewable energy schemes and solar panels on public sector buildings.
The Scottish Government has received a further £5.5 million from Great British Energy and has announced 23 new projects, backed by both the new funding and Scottish Government investment. Together they will have offered funding to 71 community projects across Scotland this year.
The funding will enable community groups to generate their own power through renewable energy projects such as wind turbines and solar, while giving successful applicants the ability to earn money from their projects by selling excess energy generated.
Emmaus Glasgow will install renewable energy in a homeless centre, Robert Gordon University’s sports hall in Aberdeen will be decarbonised and Solar PV energy generation will be installed at Saints Community Football club in St Johnstone.
Scottish Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: "Community-led energy projects are at the heart of Scotland’s journey to net zero. By empowering local groups to generate their own clean energy with local solutions, we are not only cutting emissions but also reducing costs and creating resilient communities. These projects show what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision for a sustainable future.
“This funding is giving communities the tools and confidence to take control of their own energy needs, keep money circulating locally, and build a fairer, greener economy.
“Scotland’s transition to net zero must be inclusive and fair, and community energy is a vital part of ensuring that everyone benefits from the opportunities of a clean energy future."
The Welsh Government has received an additional £6.6 million to fund solar panels for schools, leisure centres and museums across Wales, as well as supporting the Welsh Government’s new Ymestyn scheme that will help public sector and communities to complete projects such as solar canopies and battery energy storage.
Those set to benefit include: Coleg Cambria, Wrexham; Porthcawl Comprehensive School; Glan Llyn Primary School, Newport; and Jubilee Park Primary School, Newport.
Ymestyn will provide extra gap funding for public sector and communities to raise the ambition of their decarbonisation work.
Welsh deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "We are driving towards a net zero public sector by 2030, and this funding will help us get even closer. Thanks to this funding, organisations across Wales will see their energy bills falling in a matter of months.
"I’m looking forward to the start of the Ymestyn scheme, which will make some exciting decarbonisation projects a reality as we continue to tackle the climate emergency."
In Northern Ireland Great British Energy will help the Further Education Colleges to benefit from clean energy, through installation of Solar PV at a number of sites.
UK Government Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said: "Great British Energy is empowering communities in every nation of the UK to take a stake in their own energy.
"This is our clean energy superpower mission in action – putting communities in the driving seat of energy generation and making sure working people and local businesses profit."
Great British Energy CEO, Dan McGrail, said: "Communities are at the heart of our clean energy future. By increasing our support for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Great British Energy is ensuring that communities benefit directly from the transition to renewables – through lower bills and greater energy security.
"This funding will help unlock hundreds of projects that will not only provide clean energy to communities but also help accelerate our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower."
