People's Power projects will enable communities across the country to build and control their own clean energy supply that will help to cut bills, grow local wealth and tackle the climate crisis.

Local authorities and community energy groups will be able to progress plans for their own clean power projects, such as solar panels on local buildings, village-owned wind farms and hydro schemes in nearby rivers.

It is hoped this will put money back in the pockets of communities and allow them to join in UK-wide climate action.

Great British Energy has launched a £30 million fund for community power. This is the downpayment on up to £1 billion, announced earlier this year, with the aim to support over 1,000 local and community-led clean energy projects across the UK.

The projects will be owned by community energy groups or local authorities, meaning local areas can reap the full benefits, which could include reduced bills for local services and profits going back into towns and villages.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "I know many people are worried about climate change and feel like they’ve got no control over where their energy comes from, or how they can actually make a difference.

"Today we’re changing that by giving people power. Whether it’s solar panels on a local library or a community-owned wind farm, we’re letting people decide what clean energy projects they want and making sure they feel the benefits of the clean energy transition in their pockets too."

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: "All of us felt deep concern for our climate during the record-breaking temperatures we experienced this summer.

"Ahead of New York Climate week, we are putting power in the hands of people and places, so more communities can take action.

"Everyone deserves a stake in our energy future and through these local power projects, communities can reap the full benefits of clean energy – reducing emissions, cutting bills and reinvesting profits to benefit local areas, instead of big energy companies."