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 projects
Latest Case Study Balerno community centre
Local Energy Scotland is a consortium that administers and manage the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES).
About us
Latest Post Over £5.5 million in grant funding has been awarded through the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund

We are Local Energy Scotland

We manage CARES - the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme. CARES supports communities across Scotland to engage with, participate in and benefit from the energy transition to net zero emissions.

About us

The CARES Community Buildings Fund is open for applications

The CARES Community Buildings Fund can support communities to reduce their building energy costs and carbon emissions by installing renewable technologies. Grant funding is available for up to 80% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £80,000. This fund will close to new applications at the end of October 2025, or until funding is fully allocated, whichever is sooner.

Start your application today

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

Average community value from recent projects £5,000 Per MW per year

Total benefits committed in the last year £29,816,789

An introduction to Community Benefits

Resource Hub

Popular collections

Heat Pumps Offshore Wind Solar PV Community Benefits Shared Ownership

Browse all resources

Case Studies

Community Benefits Onshore Wind Shared Ownership

Crossdykes wind farm

Community Buildings Heat Pumps Solar PV

Findon Hall

Community Buildings Energy storage Heat Heat Pumps

ISKCON Scotland

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