london

London’s mayor Sadiq Khan has today launched a second round of funding for community energy projects following the success of the first, which funded the initial stages of 11 solar projects set to be installed by the end of the year.

Small-scale renewables and battery storage installs could be set for a boost in London after the mayor’s energy efficiency fund secured £500 million in funding.

Solarcentury has won the highly sought-after reverse auction to install solar in London under the mayor’s flagship solar strategy.

The Mayor of London has awarded £150,000 to 13 community energy schemes across the capital, with funding provided for development and feasibility studies for a diverse mix of solar and battery storage projects.

Transport for London (TfL) is to install 1.1MW of new solar capacity on a variety of its buildings after awarding Engie a contract to carry out the work following a competitive tender process.

All London boroughs are to ensure that all developments “maximise the opportunities for on-site electricity” from solar in the latest move by mayor Sadiq Khan to promote the technology.

Sadiq Khan has today opened London’s first community energy fund for solar projects, offering £400,000 over four years to support community energy groups overcome the challenges in getting project off the ground.

Statistics released today by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have revealed how serious the under-deployment of solar PV in the capital was last year.

Last month London’s City Hall launched a consultation on its draft environmental strategy, which included a solar action plan to be driven largely by community energy initiatives. Solar Power Portal spoke to Emma Bridge, CEO of Community Energy England and one of the judges of the upcoming Solar Power Portal Awards, to find out her thoughts on Sadiq Khan’s plans for London.

London’s solar strategy was finally published earlier this month with new measures including a reverse solar tender and support for community energy schemes at its heart. David Pratt sat down with Shirley Rodrigues, deputy mayor of London for energy and the environment, to discuss City Hall’s plans for solar.