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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The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) offers a range of financial support to local energy projects.
An introduction to funding
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Contact your Local Development Officer
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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
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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.
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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 Granton Project
Local Energy Scotland is a consortium that administers and manages the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES).
About us
Latest Post Additional funding for community-owned renewable energy

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Case study

Leverhulme Community Hub

In October 2015, the Leverhulme Community Hub Steering Group was formed after a public meeting was called to explore how to use the “Old block” in...

Resource

Legal structures and governance considerations in community heating

Learn about the starting points to consider at the beginning of a community heating project.

Funding

Community Energy Generation Growth Fund

This page provides guidance and eligibility information for the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund that was open to applications between March 20...

Case study

Duns Swimming Pool

Duns Swimming Pool is a rural swimming pool and leisure centre in Langtongate, Duns in the Scottish Borders. The Trust had ambitions to reduce its ene...

Resource

Community benefit Memorandum of Understanding – guidance and template

This guide, prepared by Burness Paul, contains:

Case study

Buchanan Community Hydro

Buchanan is a proud, rural Scottish community on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. The local community, which has a long history, is eager to play its ...

Resource

Community shared ownership market engagement report

The Scottish Government’s Energy Strategy outlined its ambition to see communities benefit from the development of onshore renewables in their local...

Case study

Peedie Kirk United Reformed Church

In October 2018, members of Peedie Kirk United Reformed Church in Kirkwall asked Resource Efficient Scotland (now Business Energy Scotland) for advice...

Resource

Recommendations to communities, from communities

Part of our Community Benefits income for net zero resource. This section looks at recommendations by communities to others.

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.

Resource

Case study: BeGreen Dunbar

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

Resource

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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