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
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Contact your Local Development Officer
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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
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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).
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Latest Post All-Energy 2026

Showing information on Shared Ownership

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What the Onshore Wind Sector Deal means for Scottish communities

This guide was written by Local Energy Scotland and published in September 2025.

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Good Practice Principles 

The community commitments within the Sector Deal support the Scottish Government’s Good Practice Principles for community benefits and shared owners...

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Community shared ownership market engagement report

The Scottish Government’s Energy Strategy outlined its ambition to see communities benefit from the development of onshore renewables in their local...

Case study

Crossdykes wind farm

Technology: onshore wind

Case study

Binn Eco Park Wind Farm

Technology: community shared ownership of onshore wind at Binn Eco Park

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Appendix 2: Shared ownership models

Part of our shared ownership module. This section looks at some examples of how some shared ownership models may work in practice.

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Appendix 1: Three Stage Process for Shared Ownership

Part of our shared ownership module. This section looks at the three stage process of undertaking shared ownership projects.

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Investment risks

The following list of risk factors is not exhaustive and there may be other risks which relate to an investment in a renewable development. It is esse...

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Shared ownership case studies

Part of our shared ownership module. This section looks at two case studies: Neilston Community Wind Farm and Allt Dearg Wind Farmers LLP.

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Investment Memorandum/Heads of Terms document

Part of our shared ownership module. This section looks at the investment memorandum/heads of terms document.

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Community-led versus developer-led investment offerings

Part of our shared ownership module. This section looks at the differences between community and developer led investment offerings.

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How community projects are financed

Part of our shared ownership module. This section looks at how community projects are financed; either equity, debt finance or grants.

Showing information on Shared Ownership

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