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.
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 Tiree Community Enterprise Limited
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

Showing information on Community Owned

Case study

Eaglesham Bowling Club

Technology: 4kW solar photovoltaic (PV) panels Location: Eaglesham, East Renfrewshire CARES funding: £4,021.71 capital grant Date installed/operation...

Case study

CentreStage village

Technology: solar photovoltaic (PV) panels Location: Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire CARES funding: £19,488.70 capital grant Date installed/operational: Se...

Resource

Part three: Hints and tips on promoting your project

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

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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.

Resource

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.

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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.

Resource

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.

Case study

Eckford Village Hall

Technology: air-to-air heat pump Location: Eckford, Scottish Borders CARES funding: CARES capital grant of £9,210 Date installed/operational: Decembe...

Case study

Strathaven Airfield

Strathaven Airfield is Scotland’s oldest continually used airstrip and the third oldest operational airfield on the west of Scotland mainland. It wa...

Showing information on Community Owned

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