RWE’s three Norfolk Offshore Wind projects have announced an initial first round of awards from their community fund. The fund was launched in 2024, and has selected 11 local initiatives to receive funding, marking an exciting milestone in the Fund's mission to benefit the local community by supporting vibrant, resilient, and sustainable projects.
This first awards form part of a Discovery Phase, an initial funding round through which fund investment stewards , Norfolk Community Foundation and RWE will seek to build an understanding of the specific needs of the communities living nearest to the onshore infrastructure of the wind farm projects.
Combined with the findings from several years of consultation with local residents, the Discovery Phase will help the decision-making panel refine and shape the Fund going forward. This will ensure that it reflects the voices and priorities of the communities it aims to serve, focusing on initiatives that will create places where people can live, thrive, and build sustainable futures.
Among the successful applicants are projects that will support the installation of solar panels on community village halls in Swanton Morley and Bawdeswell, contributing to local energy sustainability. Other funding will improve energy efficiency in premises used for essential community services, including a foodbank. By improving energy efficiency at the foodbank’s premises, the fund could help to reduce operating costs, enabling more resources to be directed toward feeding those in need. The fund also made awards to nature clubs, initiatives
which will provide children with opportunities to learn about wildlife, conservation, and sustainability while enjoying hands-on experiences in nature.
Local decision-making is playing a crucial role in developing the Fund and will continue to play a vital role in driving the Fund forward. The engagement of local residents and organisations ensures that the funding directly addresses community priorities, making a tangible and lasting impact. By actively involving community members in decision-making, the Fund continues to reflect the unique needs and aspirations of the people it serves. The Norfolk Zone Community Fund panel will now take some time to review the findings and insights from the initial Discovery Round, using them to shape the Fund’s direction and plan for the next round later this year.
“This is more than just funding; it's about investing in the futures of our communities,” said Katy Woodington, Community Investment Lead at RWE. “We are incredibly proud to support projects that reflect the passion, creativity, and resilience of local people. We are very pleased to see the first funds distributed to such an inspiring group of projects, and we look forward to following their progress with great interest.”
Decision-making panel member Rex Warner MBE, said: “The community panel, which is made up of local people, gives us the opportunity to listen, understand challenges and opportunities in the area, and direct funding to projects that truly matter. It is fulfilling to help fund projects which build stronger, better-connected communities.”
Natalie Songer, said: “I’m excited to join the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone Community Fund panel to advocate for the fabulous local organisations we have here in Norfolk and play a part in supporting them to continue their great work for their communities.”
Over their combined lifetimes, renewable energy projects being built and operated by RWE in the UK will invest more than £160 million into 'Future Bright' community benefit funds. Support for these projects in Norfolk via the Community Fund exemplifies the company's unwavering commitment to community empowerment, sustainability, and positive change.
RWE’s Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone Community Fund is proud to work alongside the Norfolk Community Foundation, appointed as the community investment steward following a competitive tender process. Together, RWE and the Norfolk Community Foundation are committed to fostering ‘Future Bright’ communities throughout Norfolk.
For a full list of awards and more details about the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone Community Fund, visit the Norfolk Community Foundation website. Information about the next round of funding will be published in the coming months. To stay up to date and receive the latest news about the project and the Community Fund directly in your inbox, sign up for the Norfolk Zone e-news. For more information about the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, please visit the project website.
RWE already operates 10 offshore wind farms across the UK. RWE has nine UK offshore wind projects in development , representing a combined potential installed capacity of around 9.8 GW, with RWE’s pro rata share amounting to 7.0 GW.