A leading figure in the green energy sector has been appointed a director of Liverpool Community Renewables.

The organisation has brought on board David Hunt, Managing Partner of Liverpool-based Hyperion Executive Search, a specialist renewables recruitment company. David was also previously a director of one of the UK’s leading renewable energy installers.

LCR is a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) registered Society for the Benefit of the Community whose purpose is to develop, own and manage renewable energy schemes on its own or in partnership with other organisations.

LCR is in the middle of a fundraising round with an initial target of £80,000 to enable it to seed-fund solar PV projects around the city.

Investors into the fund – known as a Pioneer Share Offer – are likely to be eligible for income tax relief under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS). The share offer is already over 50% subscribed and remains open until May 15.

Businesses and organisations with suitable roof space for the installations will be able to benefit from dramatically reduced energy costs, while money from the Government’s Feed-in-Tariff scheme will help to fund community projects in the Liverpool City Region.

David Hunt said: “I am delighted to have joined the board of Liverpool Community Renewables. LCR has big ambitions including playing its part in the transition of Merseyside’s energy system from fossil fuels to renewable energy.”

Ed Gommon, founder and fellow director of LCR, said: “David is a highly respected figure in the Merseyside and UK renewables industry with excellent contacts and in-depth knowledge of commercial solar PV installations.

“LCR is part of a wider community energy movement in the UK and Europe seeking to bring ownership of the generation and distribution of energy back under the local and democratic control of those who consume it.”

Also joining the board is Steve Pimlott, a Senior Consultant with Arup Energy Consulting.

Steve said: “I’m delighted to join the LCR team who have a genuine ambition to make a real difference to local communities.”