Local energy is the delivery of renewable energy projects involving a range of public, private and community organisations for the benefit of local consumers operating within a defined area.
An introduction to Local Energy
Don't know where to begin?
Our guide to getting started
Already have an idea or proposal?
Local contacts
The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) offers a range of financial support to local energy projects. We can also help you with ongoing support, mentoring, advice and more.
An introduction to funding
Need advice?
Contact your Local Development Officer
Our free resources are here to help you with your local energy project. Explore our list of guides and reports, download resources, find a partner and more.
Resources overview
Can't find what you need?
Contact your Local Development Officer
Be inspired by our selection of projects and case studies that feature useful hints and details on projects undertaken. CARES looks to support innovation in Scotland’s renewable energy industry and to encourage learning by example.
Explore Case Studies
Latest casestudy The Shieling Project
Local Energy Scotland is a consortium that administers and manage the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES).
About us
Latest post Helping off-electricity grid communities get ready for net zero

We are Local Energy Scotland

We manage CARES - the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme. Our goal is that communities across Scotland are engaging, participating and benefiting in the energy transition to net zero.

An introduction to Local Energy

Don’t know where to begin?

We have guides, tools and resources for every stage of a project.

Our guide to getting started

Already have an idea or proposal?

Our local development officers provide free advice to help you with the next step.

Find your local contact

The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) offers a range of financial support to local energy projects. We can also help you with ongoing support, mentoring, advice and more.

An introduction to Funding

Funding available now

CARES funding available now

Average community value from recent projects £3,674 Per mW per year

Total benefits paid in the last year £22,552,461

An introduction to Community Benefits

Resource Hub

Popular collections

Heat Pumps Solar PV Community Benefits Shared Ownership

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Case Studies

Community Owned Hydro

Apple Juice community hydro

Community Owned Energy storage Solar PV

Solar Connected Communities: Inverness Masjid

Community Owned

Greencraig Community Wind Turbine

View all case studies

Community and Locally Owned Projects

Discover the projects which are contributing to Scottish targets for community and locally owned energy, alongside projects which have received CARES funding from Local Energy Scotland.

Explore map