The fund, which is linked to RWE’s three Norfolk offshore wind projects – Vanguard East, Vanguard West and Boreas – was launched in 2024 and 11 local initiatives, including schemes in Bawdeswell, Elsing and Reepham, have been selected to receive funding that aims to support vibrant, resilient and sustainable projects.
 
This initial round, known as the Discovery Phase, is designed to build a deeper understanding of the specific needs of communities closest to the wind farm’s onshore infrastructure.
 
The three local funded projects in this first round are:

• to install solar panels and battery storage at Bawdeswell Village Hall;
• to support Elsing Woodlanders’ nature club for children and young people by erecting a workshop shed with concrete base, covered area and workbench as well as tools for woodwork and tree planting;
• for Field of Joy, Reepham, to continue the teen rangers and sanctuary garden groups for young people and begin a new inter-generational group focused on organic growing, tree planting and wetland/waterway conservation.
   

Decision-making panel member and Reepham resident Rex Warner (pictured above, second from left) 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.”
 
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.
 
RWE’s Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone Community Fund is working alongside the Norfolk Community Foundation, which has been appointed as the community investment steward.
 
RWE already operates 10 offshore wind farms across the UK. The German multinational energy company also has nine UK offshore wind projects in development, representing a combined potential installed capacity of around 9.8 GW.