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 Camphill School – St Christopher’s House
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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Case study

Wind to Agri-Energy

Project lead: Shapinsay Development Trust

Case study

ACTION Highland Highway

Caithness Rural Transport provides a Dial-A-Ride door to door transport service for people with mobility problems. Caithness Rural Transport is part o...

Case study

Wellpark (Glasgow) – Community Heat and Power Project

Project lead: Craighall Energy Ltd

Case study

Energise Galashiels

Project lead: Energise Galashiels Trust

Case study

Glasgow’s Infrared Heat Demonstration Project

Project lead: Glasgow City Council

Case study

Glasgow Housing Association: large scale air source heat pump

Project lead: Glasgow Housing Association

Case study

Linlithgow Energy Corridor – ‘Heat from the Street’

Vision

Case study

Montrose Local Energy Project

The Montrose Local Energy Project sought to create a new fuel source from a waste product – animal bedding. Working in collaboration with a number o...

Case study

Blackwood Housing

Blackwood Housing is a registered social landlord and is a leading national housing and care provider specialising in homes and care services for peop...

Case study

UrbanLink

Urban Link’s vision was to increase the benefits of local, low carbon energy economies to urban communities through a participatory demand managemen...

Case study

H3 – Hillfoots Heat and Hydropower

The project aimed to install up to 100 sites with a hydropower turbine which when combined with a water source heat pump would generate genuinely ‘g...

Case study

Clyde Gateway Community Renewable Energy Initiative

Project lead: Clyde Gateway Developments Limited

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