Great British Energy and the government have published the Local Power Plan to help support locally-owned clean energy generation projects such as solar on community buildings like libraries, leisure centres and miners’ welfare clubs.

The plan is backed by up to £1 billion of funding.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: "Britain’s drive for clean energy is about answering the call for a different kind of economy that works for the many, not just the wealthy and powerful in our society. Local and community energy is at the heart of our government’s vision.  

"With the biggest ever investment in community energy in Britain’s history, this government is saying to every local community: we want you to be able to own and control clean energy so the profits flow into your community not simply out to the big energy companies.

"By giving local people the chance to take control of their energy, this government is making a fundamental choice to transfer wealth and power back to communities across Britain."

Great British Energy CEO Dan McGrail said: "Communities are at the heart of Great British Energy’s mission. Local and community projects create cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy for our communities.  

"We are investing up to £1 billion into community and local energy projects so that people up and down the country can feel the benefit of public ownership with purpose."