The Manilla Community Renewable Energy Co will use the money to commission a feasibility study outlining how they can make the dream a reality.

The core component of the project is establishing a solar farm from which energy-intensive industries can purchase electricity.

The concept, first suggested by Emma Stilts about three years ago, quickly attracted the support of other environmentally-conscious locals.

It was borne out of her desire to provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative to high-emission fossil fuels, such as coal and gas.

The residents, who are in the process of forming their own company, are hosting a meeting tomorrow for anyone interested in being part of the project.

Ms Stilts said locals could buy shares in the company, with the capital used to build the solar farm, and then receive a return on their investment.

“We’re hoping for a large turnout of people from Manilla, Tamworth and other areas in the region who are interested in getting involved in the renewable energy project,” she said.

“After the information session, interested parties will be invited to stay and help vote on positions in (the company), or to offer their participation however they can.”

Ms Stilts said the “missing link” in the fledgling scheme was securing a business partner, such as a dairy, chicken farm or water treatment plant, to purchase the electricity.

“There’s a lot of potential partners, and once this builds momentum the opportunities will become clearer to those businesses,” she said.

“The feasibility study will work out how the economics of everything will work and how many investors we need.”

The meeting will take place at the Royal Hotel in Manilla from noon tomorrow.