Neath Port Talbot Council’s Green Renewable Fund recognises the importance of supporting businesses looking to invest in new technologies that will improve the business’ sustainability credentials and have a positive impact on both its costs and carbon footprint.
Recent world events resulting in the significant increase in fuel and energy costs, rising material costs, etc. has had a significant impact on local businesses. Alongside this is the need to reduce our carbon footprint and look to alternative energy sources.
What funding is available?
Grants of up to 50% of eligible costs or, a maximum of £25,000 to support capital investment in green technology.
What business sectors are eligible?
Funding can support businesses operating within:
- Manufacturing
- Engineering/Fabrication
- Construction
- ICT
- Renewable Energy sectors
The grant will support the following:
Power Systems
• Small scale, single wind turbines.
• Solar photovoltaic panels (roof mounted/ ground mounted).
• Solar photovoltaic battery*.
• Grid linked battery storage system (where the tariff is with a renewable energy supplier)*.
• Hydro-electric
Heating Systems
• Air Source Heat Pump (Air to water and air to air).
• Ground Source Heat Pump (vertical, horizontal, diagonal & radial).
• Solar thermal panels (roof mounted/ ground mounted).
• Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Systems.
Where renewable fuels (e.g., Biomass) are used as the fuel source:
• Installers should be MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited.
• Any equipment under 45 kW must have MCS certification.
• For roof mounted systems, installers should be self-certified to perform structural appraisals and calculations for the roof structure. If they are not self-certified to do this, then a building regulations certificate will be required.
* Due to there being a shortage of MCS certified battery installers, batteries must at least be installed by a contractor registered under a relevant Competent Persons Scheme (e.g. NICEIC)
Please Note: Other relevant technology and systems that reduce carbon and energy usage may also be considered but please check eligibility before commencing with an application for funding as installing double or triple glazing or roof and wall insulation will not be eligible.
• Professional services such as accountants, solicitors, estate agents, insurance brokers, etc.
• Banking
• Education
• Primary Healthcare e.g. GP Surgeries, physiotherapists, etc.
• Supermarkets
• Small operations with low power usage.
• Storage yards and facilities
• Businesses that are part of a franchise
• National companies or those part of a larger chain
• Sports clubs
Business premises must be registered on Neath Port Talbot Council’s Non Domestic Rates register and the applicant must either own the freehold, or secure your landlord’s written consent for the proposed works. A lease must also be in place and remain valid after the final grant payment date. Please note: Independent businesses (not part of a larger group) operating within the Hospitality, Leisure, Tourism, Care and Retail sectors will also be considered if expenditure meets the criteria.
Funds are discretionary and applications considered on a case-by-case basis.
Other sources of funding similar to the Green Renewable Fund :
The fund will provide eligible micro, small and medium businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors:
- A match-funded grant for capital funding between £5,000 – £10,000, no revenue costs will be eligible for funding
- The grant is to be used entirely during the financial year 2024 – 2025,
- The grant is to be invested in measures to future proof the business.
Click the link below to find out more (link will open in a new page):
NB: If you operate in the retail, hospitality, or leisure sectors you may be eligible for Welsh Government’s Future Proofing Fund to invest in renewable energy technology, carry out improvements to the fabric of business premises, and upgrades to systems or machinery to reduce energy use.
Grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 at 75% of the eligible costs are available and the fund will open for applications in May.
We would advise that you check if you are eligible for this funding using the following link:
https://businesswales.gov.wales/future-proofing-fund
NB: YOU CANNOT APPLY TO BOTH FUNDS FOR THE SAME PROJECT COSTS