LEADER is an initiative to support rural development projects initiated at the local level in order to revitalise rural areas and create jobs. It is part of the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is financed by the Welsh Government and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). LEADER funding Theme 4 is about providing specific and tailored support to help communities and social enterprises explore renewable energy sources. This action would include small scale and local interventions which are community led, such as: - Raising awareness and providing expert information, advice and guidance on new forms of renewable technology (e.g. anaerobic digestion in agriculture, hydro power and biomass projects), energy efficiency and climate change mitigation initiatives. - Supporting initial feasibility and viability studies to explore and pilot the appropriateness and suitability of renewable technologies in specific circumstances/settings. - Assisting with proof of concept and trials for community owned renewable technology projects on a micro scale which (if successful) could then be scaled up Theme 4 aims also at trialling new solutions to climate change and sustainable/renewable energy production and accelerating the mainstreaming of these approaches (in commercial, community and domestic applications) in rural areas. WHO CAN APPLY Local community groups (including charities and trusts, co-operatives) N.B. all applicants must be a legal entity Social enterprises Community interest companies Mutuals Local Authorities Local Action Groups Please feel free to tell your friends. For more info, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.