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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The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) offers a range of financial support to local energy projects.
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.
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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).
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Latest Post Additional funding for community-owned renewable energy

Showing information on Community Benefits

Case study

Tiree Community Enterprise Limited

Tiree is a remote island community off the west coast of Scotland. The island is not connected to the gas grid, so homes and businesses rely on electr...

Case study

Braco’s and Greenloaning’s community action plan

Location: Braco and Greenloaning

Case study

Strathdearn shop and cafe

The Strathdearn shop and cafe is based in Tomatin, Strathdearn. The building is community owned by Strathdearn Community Developments (SCD) and is ope...

Case study

Hagshaw Energy Cluster

Location: Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire

Resource

Community benefit Memorandum of Understanding – guidance and template

This guide, prepared by Burness Paul, contains:

Case study

Buchanan Community Hydro

Buchanan is a proud, rural Scottish community on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. The local community, which has a long history, is eager to play its ...

Resource

Recommendations to communities, from communities

Part of our Community Benefits income for net zero resource. This section looks at recommendations by communities to others.

Resource

Case study: Fintry Development Trust

Part of our Community Benefits income for net zero resource. This section looks at Fintry Development Trust's case study.

Resource

Case study: BeGreen Dunbar

Part of our Community Benefits income for net zero resource. This section looks at BeGreen Dunbar's case study.

Resource

Case study: Clydesdale Community Energy Transition Co.

Part of our Community Benefits income for net zero resource. This section looks at Clydesdale Community Energy Transition Co's case study.

Resource

Why spend community benefits on net zero projects?

Part of our Community Benefits income for net zero resource. This section looks at why to spend community benefits on net zero projects.

Resource

Community benefits income for net zero

This guide explores the benefits of funding net zero projects from community benefit income from a renewable energy project.

Showing information on Community Benefits

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