M&S Energy is to offer up to £300,000 in support of community renewables projects across the UK in its third successive Community Energy Fund.

The prize will help finance prospective renewable energy projects launched by not-for-profit organisations for the benefit of local communities.

The fund was first launched in 2015 and last year’s iteration helped support 26 renewables projects in the UK, many of which incorporated solar PV.

Applications for the 2017 edition opened yesterday and will remain open until 23 June. A preliminary shortlisting process conducted by M&S, SSE, Energyshare and an independent judge will then take place prior to the a public voting window which will run from 4 September until 20 October.

The winning projects will be announced in November.

The public vote will decide the winners of regional funding awards which will be granted to projects seeking up to a maximum of £12,000, while judges’ prizes of £20,000 will be awarded to the most innovative projects not to be selected in the public vote.

Jonathan Hazeldine, head of M&S Energy, said: “Each time we open the M&S Energy Community Energy Fund for new applicants, we are incredibly impressed by the time and commitment so many people give to the community projects that matter to them. 

“As a 100% green energy provider, this fund is a great way for us to take our commitment further by getting involved with our communities and helping them become more environmentally and financially sustainable.”

Further information can be found here.