Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Could Department for Energy Security and Net Zero fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Where they fund: England, Wales, United Kingdom
Applications: Accepted
How to apply: Online form

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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gov.uk

About Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is a UK Government ministerial department leading the nation's transition to affordable, secure, and clean energy. It consolidates energy policy functions to prioritise energy security, billpayer protection, economic growth through green jobs, and a just transition for fossil fuel-dependent communities. The department values consumer fairness, industrial prosperity, and climate leadership, partnering with industry, public bodies, and the third sector. DESNZ funds projects advancing renewables, carbon capture, building decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and clean heat via targeted schemes. It supports innovation, infrastructure, capacity building, and economic impact for local authorities, public bodies, industry consortia, UK-registered charities, and community groups delivering tangible net zero outcomes across the UK, with some schemes focusing on England or Wales. The department does not accept unsolicited proposals; access is via competitive, time-limited programmes. It uniquely unlocks public-private investment for large-scale delivery, excluding general proposals outside specific schemes.

What Department for Energy Security and Net Zero funds

DESNZ funds projects that advance the UK's net zero transition, focusing on renewable energy, carbon capture, building decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and clean heat. Specific schemes include the Green Heat Network Fund, which supports the commercialisation and construction of heat network projects in England and Wales, and the Heat Pump Investment Accelerator, which incentivises the manufacturing of heat pumps and their components in the UK. The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund aims to cut energy bills and upgrade homes, with a focus on social housing. Funding covers capital works and project costs, with some schemes requiring match funding. Geographically, most programmes operate UK-wide, while some focus on England or Wales.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include UK-registered businesses, registered charities, social enterprises, community benefit societies, and organisations in the public, private, and third sectors. Some schemes are open to local authorities and public bodies. There are no income limits or religious restrictions. Applicants must be based in the UK, and for some programmes, the work must also take place in the UK. The department welcomes applications from organisations that can deliver tangible net zero outcomes, with a focus on projects that have a realistic chance of success.

What Department for Energy Security and Net Zero doesn't fund

DESNZ does not fund general proposals outside its specific, time-limited schemes. Within its programmes, there are exclusions: for example, the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund does not support air-to-air heat pumps or heat batteries unless they are MCS certified. The department does not accept unsolicited applications outside of open competitive rounds.

How they like to fund

DESNZ provides grant funding through competitive, time-limited programmes, with some schemes offering multi-year support. For instance, the Green Heat Network Fund is a grant-only scheme disbursed over a series of funding rounds, providing funding across financial years. The Heat Pump Investment Accelerator offers funding for projects that must draw down grant by a specified date. Match funding is required for some schemes, and the department works in partnership with industry, public bodies, and the third sector to deliver its objectives.

How much does Department for Energy Security and Net Zero give?

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero runs 4 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.

Last verified 8 August 2026 · 43 sourced facts

Green Heat Network FundRolling applications

Two-stage process
Multi-year funding

Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition Round 2Currently closed

Online application form
Multi-year funding

Industrial Decarbonisation: Local Industrial Decarbonisation PlansCurrently closed

£75,000 – £800,000

Single-year grants
Match funding required

Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3Currently closed

Multi-year funding
Match funding required

Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.

What Department for Energy Security and Net Zero funds — and what they won't

Their stated priorities

to accelerate the heat network market transition to low carbon heat sources via targeted financial support

Where they fund

EnglandWalesUnited Kingdom

Costs they'll cover

Capital works & buildings

The full exclusions list (2)

air-to-air heat pumps are not eligible for the WH:SHF
heat batteries will not be eligible for the WH:SHF, until they can be MCS certified

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Environment

How to apply to Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero takes applications via online form.

Published programme route: two-stage process.
Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

1
Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
2
See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
3
Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if Department for Energy Security and Net Zero could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Department for Energy Security and Net Zero provide?

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero runs 4 grant programmes — Industrial Decarbonisation: Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plans: £75,000 – £800,000.

Where does Department for Energy Security and Net Zero fund charities?

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero funds charities operating in England, Wales, United Kingdom.

Does Department for Energy Security and Net Zero accept unsolicited applications?

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

What does Department for Energy Security and Net Zero not fund?

Their published exclusions include: air-to-air heat pumps are not eligible for the WH:SHF; heat batteries will not be eligible for the WH:SHF, until they can be MCS certified. The full exclusions list is further up this page.

How do I apply for funding from Department for Energy Security and Net Zero?

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero takes applications via online form. Published programme route: two-stage process.