COMMUNITY projects in Burnham-on-Sea could benefit from part of a £3million fund from a new Somerset energy company.

Burnham and Weston Energy CIC (Community Interest Company) said half of the surplus income generated by a community solar farm at Wick Farm between Burnham and Weston-super-Mare will be put into the Sunshine Fund which will be used to support community projects and half will be used to help residents struggling with their energy bills.

The energy company owns one of the largest community solar arrays in the UK which is made up of nearly 36,000 solar panels which generate enough electricity to power 2,000 every year.

Jake Burnyeat, director of Burnham and Weston Energy CIC, said: “The solar farm is expected to generate around £50,000 surplus each year over its 25 year lifespan - half will help support an energy and fuel poverty advice service, while the other half will go into the Burnham and Weston Sunshine Fund, to provide grants to local organisations.

“The shift from a centralised fossil fuel-based energy system to one based on distributed low carbon and smart technologies creates the opportunity for communities to take back control of their energy systems, keep money in the local economy and make the energy production an asset for the local community.”

Burnham and Weston CIC's Sunshine Fund is being managed by the Somerset Community Foundation and the first round of grants will be available in the summer.

Community projects can focus on environmental, social and/or economic stability which could include schemes to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, employment skills or low carbon community transport.

Help and support will be available from a new energy and fuel poverty advice service which is being managed by Bristol-based charity, Centre for Sustainable Energy and delivered through partnerships with local organisations.

As a local energy company, Burnham and Weston Energy CIC will be governed by local volunteer directors.

Burnham residents and organisations can get involved in the scheme by investing in a solar bond offer which is set to be launched shortly.

Residents can find out more information at two drop in events which are set to be held at The Hive in Weston on Monday June 11 from 3pm to 6pm and at The Princess Theatre and Arts Centre in Burnham on Tuesday June 12 from noon until 3pm.

For more information visit burnhamandwestonenergy.co.uk.