Is PSDS open right now?
No. Phase 4 closed November 2024, and at the June 2025 Spending Review the government confirmed no further PSDS investment beyond currently-awarded projects [Salix]. No Phase 5 has been announced. See Will there be a Phase 5?
Can independent schools apply?
No. PSDS is restricted to central government, the wider public sector, and state-funded educational institutions [DESNZ]. See ineligible lane.
Difference between PSDS and DfE R&R?
PSDS = DESNZ capital grant via Salix, scored on Grant Carbon Cost. R&R = £710m DfE allocation programme announced April 2026, scored on condition need [DfE]. See compare page.
Why was Phase 3c so oversubscribed?
First-come queue overwhelmed by pre-prepared bids after it opened on 10 October 2023. For Phase 4, Salix moved to targeted allocation by Grant Carbon Cost [Salix]. See Phase 3c page.
What is the £510/tCO2e ceiling?
Lifetime grant cost / lifetime tCO2e displaced. For Phase 4 the maximum Grant Carbon Cost was £510; Phase 3 used a tighter £325 [Salix]. See £510 ceiling page and grant estimator.
Who pays for the feasibility study?
The school or MAT internally. The Low Carbon Skills Fund that used to fund it is closed [DESNZ]. See feasibility page.
What is the delivery deadline?
Phase 3c: 31 March 2026. Phase 4: 31 March 2028 [DESNZ].
Can a PFI site apply?
Conditional: needs SPV consent in writing and the public-sector body as the named applicant.
Can I apply to both PSDS and DfE R&R?
Yes for the same estate but not for the same intervention.
What is the realistic timeline from kick-off to award?
Pre-feasibility 2-4 weeks, feasibility 6-10 weeks, portal window potentially short and oversubscribed (Phase 3c precedent), decision 8-12 weeks. Roughly 4-6 months from start to award assuming a window is open.