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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Part two: Your project’s case study

Part of our 'Acknowledging CARES support and promoting your project' guide.

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Part one: Acknowledging CARES support

Part of our 'Acknowledging CARES support and promoting your project' guide.

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Acknowledging CARES support and promoting your project

This three-part guide explains how you should acknowledge support from the Scottish Government’s CARES when promoting your project.

Case study

Ardross Community Hall

Technology: solar photovoltaic (PV) panels

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How Local Energy Scotland can help

Part of our project model: new wind generation (grid connected, above 1MW). This section looks at how we can help.

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Implementation

Part of our project model: new wind generation (grid connected, above 1MW). This section looks at implementation.

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Due diligence and financial close

Part of our project model: new wind generation (grid connected, above 1MW). This section looks at due diligence and financial close.

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Development and delivery

Part of our project model: new wind generation (grid connected, above 1MW). This section looks at development and delivery.

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Preparing for installation

Part of our project model: new wind generation (grid connected, above 1MW). This section looks at how to prepare for installation.

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Key challenges

Part of our project model: new wind generation (grid connected, above 1MW). This section looks at key challenges.

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Requirements

Part of our project model: new wind generation (grid connected, above 1MW). This section looks at requirements.

Case study

ISKCON Scotland

Technologies: air source heat pumps, solar PV array, solar water heaters, energy storage Location: Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire CARES funding: £50,7...

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