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 Case Study Binn Eco Park Wind Farm
Local Energy Scotland is a consortium that administers and manage the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES).
About us
Latest Post Join us at All-Energy and Dcarbonise 2023

News and events

News

Let’s do net zero community buildings: CARES funding available

10 July 2021

News

Local Energy Scotland awarded contract to manage Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES)

10 March 2021

News

Scottish Government publishes Local Energy Policy Statement

10 January 2021

News

CARES green funding receives record levels of interest

10 July 2020

News

Community projects looking brighter thanks to Green Economy Fund funding boost

10 July 2020

News

New Facebook group launched to support communities

10 June 2020

News

Accelerated Loss of Mains Change Programme resumes

10 May 2020

News

Local Energy Scotland: COVID-19 status update

10 March 2020

News

Scottish communities reap £20m in benefits from renewable energy projects

10 January 2020

News

New community benefits toolkit available

10 January 2020

News

CARES funding round now open

10 December 2019

News

New CARES mentoring programme open for applications

10 November 2019

News and events

Let’s do net zero community buildings: CARES funding available

Local Energy Scotland awarded contract to manage Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES)

Scottish Government publishes Local Energy Policy Statement

CARES green funding receives record levels of interest

Community projects looking brighter thanks to Green Economy Fund funding boost

New Facebook group launched to support communities

Accelerated Loss of Mains Change Programme resumes

Local Energy Scotland: COVID-19 status update

Scottish communities reap £20m in benefits from renewable energy projects

New community benefits toolkit available

CARES funding round now open

New CARES mentoring programme open for applications

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