Support for community groups exploring community energy for the first time

The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) provides funding and support to help communities to benefit from the transition to net zero. The scheme is delivered by Local Energy Scotland.

We recognise that starting a new community energy project can be daunting and it’s tricky to know where to start. The Community Energy Launchpad is here to help and will support communities interested in learning about community energy and exploring the options available to them. With our help to take the first steps, you could end up installing solar panels on a community building, developing a community-owned wind turbine, or investigating shared ownership, where a community group invests in a commercially owned renewable energy project.

CARES’ Community Energy Launchpad is delivered in partnership with Community Energy Scotland, who represent community groups across Scotland, and Development Trusts Association Scotland who help community enterprises develop. They will be alongside you for your first steps, supporting you to be ready to work with the team at Local Energy Scotland and deliver your project.

What support is on offer?

The Community Energy Launchpad helps community groups across Scotland to take the first steps into renewable energy and shared ownership projects and explore the options available.

Through the Community Energy Launchpad you can:

  • Get one to one support from a local Community Energy Officer who can advise on everything from narrowing down the types of projects that you might be interested in, to helping with community engagement and getting input from your local community for your idea.
  • Receive advice on identifying renewable energy opportunities in your community.
  • Get help applying for funding.
  • Access expertise from within Community Energy Scotland (CES) and Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) on areas including governance, democratic finance or technical input on appropriate technology and sizing.
  • Connect with experienced community energy mentors who can share insights and lessons learned from their own community energy journey.
  • Attend workshops with practical guidance on early-stage project development. Financial support is available for costs such as childcare and travel costs to attend workshops.
  • Receive tailored support for emerging projects, including help to set up strong governance foundations and establish community benefit societies or other appropriate legal structures.
  • Facilitate collaboration between communities, encouraging cooperative approaches that increase shared capacity and negotiating strength.
  • Gain the tools and confidence to explore renewable energy and shared ownership options.

If you already have a well-formed idea, contact Local Energy Scotland or visit their website for alternative support and funding options.

If you’d like further information about the Community Energy Launchpad, please contact Community Energy Scotland at launchpad@communityenergy.scot.

A green-bordered graphic titled “How to access CARES support.” It shows a circular flow diagram with two main circles and surrounding text. The top circle is green and labeled “Community Energy Launchpad.” Around it are four questions: “Need support to understand and complete applications?” “Not sure where to start?” “Want to know what community energy is?” “Got an idea but need advice on first steps?” An arrow points downward to a blue circle labeled “Local Energy Scotland.” Around this circle are four statements: “You have a project idea and know some of the steps required to make it happen.” “Project and organisation are eligible for the appropriate CARES fund.” “You’ve delivered a community energy (or CARES) project before.” “You know what additional support you need to bring in (e.g., funding, technical support and/or project management).” The diagram illustrates how different levels of knowledge or experience determine whether to start with Community Energy Launchpad or Local Energy Scotland for CARES support.

Local Energy Scotland

Local Energy Scotland is delivered by a consortium of organisations led by Energy Saving Trust.

Local Energy Scotland manages the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). CARES supports communities across Scotland to engage with, participate in and benefit from the energy transition to net zero emissions. It aims to accelerate progress towards the Scottish Government’s targets of 2GW of community and locally owned energy by 2030 and decarbonising Scotland’s buildings. This is achieved through funding and support for community groups to install renewable energy generation.

Community Energy Scotland (CES)

Community Energy Scotland is a member-led, independent organisation that provides practical and technical support for community groups and organisations with project development, building capacity, networks and resources, and representing our sector at government and industry level. They have over 450 community members across Scotland and since its establishment in 2007 it has supported thousands of community energy projects. Membership is free and they are always keen to work with new community groups.

Development Trust Association Scotland (DTAS)

Development Trusts Association Scotland – known as DTAS – was established in 2003. It is a member-led organisation that promotes, supports and represents development trusts across Scotland. It has nearly 350 full and provisional members across the length and breadth of Scotland, as well as over 40 associate members. It also provides support to dozens of aspiring members and other community organisations.

A graphic with three vertical panels side by side, each describing an organization involved in supporting communities across Scotland. Left panel (blue): Features the logo of Local Energy Scotland and text explaining that it delivers the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). It supports communities to engage with renewable energy, aiming for 2GW of community and locally owned energy by 2030. Middle panel (green): Displays the Community Energy Scotland logo and text stating it is a member-led organization providing practical and technical support for community groups. It helps with project development, capacity building, and advocacy, supporting over 450 community members since 2007. Right panel (dark gray): Shows the Development Trust Association Scotland logo and text describing it as a member-led organization established in 2003. It promotes and supports development trusts across Scotland, with nearly 350 full members and dozens of associate members. At the bottom, a white arrow spans all three panels with the text: “Working collaboratively and supporting communities across Scotland.