The Marches Energy Grant (MEG) offers free advice, energy assessments and grants for energy efficiency and renewable energy measures to SMEs from all sectors in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. The funding is also available to support community buildings. As well as the grant funding, the project will also run related networking and webinar events for SMEs and other organisations.

The MEG project builds on the success of previous programmes such as the Marches Renewable Energy (MarRE) fund and the Business Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) grant scheme. It is intended that the MEG project complements the Cool Shropshire & Telford platform and Herefordshire’s 30 for 2030. 

Assessments are for SMEs who wish to use their energy more efficiently, reducing costs and improving environmental credentials. Grants worth up to £20,000 are available for eligible businesses.

 

How will it work?

Step 1: A free assessment offering to assess your equipment, premises, processes and performance to find opportunities for improvements in energy usage. The scale of the assessment will vary according to need. Generally, a 12-hr assist, including onsite assessment will be required. However, the assistance could range from a 2hrs telephone advice for very simple proposals, through to a deep-dive, 5-day assist for complex or large sites.

Step 2: Following the assessment, you will be sent a report containing recommended actions. You can then apply for a grant for projects worth up to £20,000. The grant intervention rate is 40% and your business contribution is 60% for the project. For example, if your project costs are £30,000, your contribution is £18,000 and we provide £12,000.

Step 3: If your application is successful, we will require you to sign an agreement detailing the grant conditions. Once signed and returned you can carry out the approved activities.

Step 4: We will monitor your project to ensure that it is on track.

 

What's it for?

The MEG replaces a number of previous EU funded schemes, which have helped to identify potential financial savings of £1.8M, install over 2MW of renewable energy generation, and saved around 4,500tonnes of CO2e emissions from the Marches region. These have seen a wide range of projects, including:

  • Renewable energy systems, such as solar panels

  • Lighting – including LED conversions, movement / light sensors

  • Fast acting / roller doors

  • Variable speed drives & compressors

  • Electrification of plant & machinery

  • Energy efficient equipment for process improvements

  • Waste heat management systems

  • Energy management system

  • Heating (including heat pumps), insulation and double/triple glazing

  • De-stratification fans

  • Waste reduction and recycling measures

 

For information about how to access this scheme please contact the team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For technical information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..