RWE
Fostering growth, resilience, and sustainability within local communities.
Future Bright: Empowering Communities
About RWE
RWE is a leading supplier of renewables worldwide. With wind farms, solar power and battery storage facilities in many countries.
For over 25 years, through the RWE Community Fund programme, they have been fostering community development.
To date renewable energy projects RWE operates have contributed over £46.2 million to communities across the UK, including £6.1 million in 2024 alone and more than £1.1 million in County Durham and the wider North East.
Investing in local communities
At RWE, we believe in empowering communities and creating lasting positive change.
Our Community Benefit Funds support local projects that enhance education, sustainability, well-being, and community development.
We are deeply committed to supporting the communities living closest to our renewable energy projects to foster growth, resilience, and sustainability within local communities. From enhancing community services and tourism to creating job opportunities and supporting environmental conservation efforts, our approach is holistic and inclusive.
RWE with Point North
Point North administers the RWE Great Eppleton, RWE Butterwick Moor and RWE Haswell Moor Community Benefits Funds on behalf of RWE. Point North’s role involves managing all the funding applications, carrying out due diligence and overseeing monitoring.
When the funds are open to applications, they are made available on the Point North grants page here.
Key impact data
The RWE Wind Farm Community Benefits Fund align with following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
47% of the projects align with Sustainable Cities & Communities, helping to create inclusive, safe, sustainable and resilient communities across the County Durham and the wider North East.
From supporting local conservation projects to investing in the infrastructure of local community hubs, the fund invests in communities today and prepares them for the future.
Examples of projects RWE Community Benefits Funds have supported:
- Funding an outdoor play area
- Funding club repairs and maintenance
- Funding to create a playground with anti-vandal equipment
- Funding community events
40% of the projects align with Good Health & Wellbeing, helping people across County Durham and the wider North East get access to advise and support when they need it most.
By supporting local groups deliveri the fund promotes inclusion and equality, making sure everyone has the chance to build confidence, independence and a brighter future.
Examples of projects RWE Community Benefits Funds have supported:
- Extend a sport’s club capacity
- Support the Village Olympics project
- Hire qualified coach
- Purchase competition kit for a community event
- Pitch hire and referee fees
“We are hugely grateful for the funding received and working with Point North it has made a fantastic difference to its conservation and helping many people enjoy a wonderful site for nature especially its birdlife.”
RWE Butterwick Moor Wind Farm Community Benefits Fund grant holder
Why we give
At RWE we pride ourselves on the fact that our community funds at the renewable energy projects we operate aren’t just powering homes, they’re empowering communities and helping them to thrive.
Visit the RWE website to find out more about how we are helping to tackle key issues in UK communities.
Grants distributed
The RWE Community Benefit Funds provide grants to community groups and environmental projects in places in and around their windfarms across County Durham and the wider North East.
You can see some of the grants they’ve given on this map.
Because of our commitment to IVAR Flexible Funding, we make sure every grant we give is transparent and responsive to the needs of our communities.