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
Looking for inspiration?
Explore case studies
Already have an idea or proposal?
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 Dalgety Bay Sailing Club
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

Resource

Part two: Your project’s case study

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

Resource

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.

Resource

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...

Resource

Common activities

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

Resource

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...

Case study

Cullen Community and Residential Centre

The Cullen Community and Residential Centre in Cullen, Moray, provides a wide range of indoor and outdoor facilities for community groups, activities ...

Case study

Edinburgh Community Solar Cooperative

Technology: solar PV

Case study

The Shieling Project

Technology: 3.15kW solar PV panels plus 3.8kWh LifePO battery, and biomass system (30 kW log boiler)

Showing information on Community Owned

Sign up for updates