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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
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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
Login to the CARES project portal
CARES project portal
Our free resources are here to help you with your local energy project. Explore our list of guides and reports, download resources and more.
Resources overview
Can't find what you need?
Contact your Local Development Officer
Partnerships are essential to delivering your community energy project. Here you can find project contractors, help to get you started and sites available for community energy opportunities.
Need advice?
Contact Local Energy Scotland
Discover the different ways your community can benefit from the transition to clean energy. Use our search tool and interactive map to explore projects across the country offering community benefit packages, shared ownership examples and locally owned schemes.
Explore projects
Explore stories of successful projects supported by Scottish Government for inspiration and practical lessons to help develop your community renewable energy project.
Explore case studies
Latest Case Study Minginish Community Association
Local Energy Scotland is a consortium that administers and manage the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES).
About us
Latest Post All-Energy 2026

News and events

News

All-Energy 2026

01 April 2026

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News

2.5 MW community-owned wind project in Ayrshire goes into commercial operation

03 March 2026

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News

Speaker presentations from the CARES Conference: Idea to impact – community energy in action

16 December 2025

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Community Owned

News

Community energy projects to benefit from a share of £1.8 million in funding

15 December 2025

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News

CARES Conference: Idea to impact – community energy in action

08 December 2025

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News

Over £5.5 million in grant funding has been awarded through the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund

01 October 2025

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News

The Community Energy Generation Growth Fund is now open for applications

14 May 2025

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News

All-Energy 2025

08 April 2025

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News

Great British Energy to fund new community energy projects in Scotland

21 March 2025

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News

Energy Saving Trust re-awarded contract to continue managing the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme

12 March 2025

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News

CARES Conference: Scaling up community energy – Speaker presentations

13 February 2025

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News

Scottish Government announce £9m in CARES funding

29 January 2025

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