ORGANISATIONS in Lancashire are being encouraged to apply for a slice of a regional £2million fund to develop 'clean energy' projects.

The Community Energy Fund can help groups get projects such as solar panel networks, wind farms and hydropower, rural heat networks, electric vehicle charging points and car clubs off the ground.

Aimed at helping local communities to generate and cut their consumption of fossil fuel-based fuels, the scheme means community groups and eligible voluntary groups in urban and rural communities can apply for a part of £2million available to develop energy projects in their areas.

It's being rolled out locally by the North West Net Zero Hub, one of five regional hubs nationwide, in conjunction with Lancashire County Council and funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as part of a national £10million programme.

Examples of successful bids so far include Rossendale Valley Energy, a scheme which aims to create affordable, low carbon energy and healthy warm homes, at no upfront cost to residents by creating cheaper energy for the community.

Cllr Shaun Turner, Lancashire County Council's environment boss, said: "We're absolutely committed to protecting Lancashire's environment and as an organisation it is one of our four key priorities.

"Reducing greenhouse gases, ensuring infrastructure and services are resilient to climate change and clean, affordable energy are all incredibly important.

"As a council we also know how crucial it is that we work with communities and partner organisations so that we can achieve these aims, as we cannot do it in isolation.

"We want to build on all the good work that has already been done and I'm really looking forward to seeing more clean, affordable energy schemes in Lancashire."