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 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

Showing information on

Case study

Cairnlea Parish Church

Technology: air source heat pump

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)

Case study

Glasgow Community Energy

Technology: 91kW Solar PV panels Location: Glasgow City CARES funding: £59,255 capital loan and enablement grant Date installed/operational: Septembe...

Funding

Let’s Do Net Zero: Off Electricity Grid Communities Fund

The Let’s Do Net Zero: Off Electricity Grid Communities Fund aims to decarbonise and future-proof the existing local independent electrical grids of...

Case study

Glenorchy and Innishail Community Council

Location: Argyll and Bute

Case study

Nairn Community and Arts Centre

Project name: Nairn Community and Arts Centre

Case study

Dumfriesshire East Community Benefit Group (DECBG)

Project: Dumfriesshire East Community Benefit Group (DECBG) Community Action Plan

Resource

Options appraisal: phase two screening matrix

If you're carrying out an options appraisal, this template will help you compare your options.

Resource

Invitation to Tender (ITT) template: options appraisal

Invitation to Tender (ITT) templates contain outline work briefs for consultants for specific stages of project development.

Showing information on

Sign up for updates