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).
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Latest Post All-Energy 2026

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Resource

Case study: Fintry Development Trust

Part of our Community Benefits income for net zero resource. This section looks at Fintry Development Trust's case study.

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Case study: BeGreen Dunbar

Part of our Community Benefits income for net zero resource. This section looks at BeGreen Dunbar's case study.

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Case study: Clydesdale Community Energy Transition Co.

Part of our Community Benefits income for net zero resource. This section looks at Clydesdale Community Energy Transition Co's case study.

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Why spend community benefits on net zero projects?

Part of our Community Benefits income for net zero resource. This section looks at why to spend community benefits on net zero projects.

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How local authority-led energy planning can help you create and update your Local Energy plan

Part of our ‘Local Energy Plans and beyond’ resource. This section looks at public information which could inform your Local Energy Plan.

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Energy masterplans

Part of our ‘Local Energy Plans and beyond’ resource. This section looks at energy masterplans.

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Heat Network Zoning

Part of our ‘Local Energy Plans and beyond’ resource. This section looks at Heat Network Zoning and local energy plans.

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Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES)

Part of our ‘Local Energy Plans and beyond’ resource. This section looks at Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES).

Case study

Knoydart energy security project

Knoydart Renewables Ltd (KRL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the charity Knoydart Foundation. Knoydart Foundation was established in 1997 to take own...

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Local Energy Plans and beyond

Our resource looks at how communities can work with local authorities for a net zero future by developing a local energy plan.

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Community benefits income for net zero

This guide explores the benefits of funding net zero projects from community benefit income from a renewable energy project.

Case study

Alford and District Men’s Shed

Technologies: thermal and battery storge, air source heat pumps Location: Aberdeenshire CARES funding: £84,875.50 capital grant Alford and District M...

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