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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Explore cases studies
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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

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Capital funding and income

Part of our project model: refurbished wind generation (grid connected). This section looks at sources of capital funding and income.

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How Local Energy Scotland can help

Part of our project model: refurbished wind generation (grid connected). This section looks at how we can help.

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Implementation

Part of our project model: refurbished wind generation (grid connected). This section looks at implementation.

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Developing your project

Part of our project model: refurbished wind generation (grid connected). This section looks at how to prepare to get your project underway.

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Preparing for installation

Part of our project model: refurbished wind generation (grid connected). This section looks at how to prepare for installation.

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Key challenges

Part of our project model: refurbished wind generation (grid connected). This section looks at key challenges.

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Requirements

Project model: refurbished wind generation (grid connected). This section looks at what you'll need if you're planning a wind project.

Case study

Inch Park Community Sports Club

Technologies: Solar PV, LED lighting Location: Inch Park Community Sports Club, Edinburgh CARES funding: £8,280 capital grant, Let’s Do Net Zero Co...

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How Local Energy Scotland can help

Part of our site guide: energy options for community buildings. This section looks at how we can help.

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Benefits of typical solutions

Part of our site guide: energy options for community buildings. This section looks at the benefits of typical solutions, including installing renewabl...

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Common activities

Part of our site guide: energy options for community buildings. This section looks at common activities.

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Identify and prioritise challenges

Part of our site guide: energy options for community buildings. This section looks at common issues and challenges.

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