New £1.5m Fund Available for Community Energy Projects

A New Opportunity for Community Energy Projects in Scotland

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for community groups across Scotland to embark on renewable energy generation projects with the launch of the £1.5 million Community Energy Generation Growth Fund. This fund aims to support local communities in setting up wind turbines, solar panels, hydro projects, and other forms of renewable energy generation to meet their unique energy needs.

Not only will community groups be able to contribute to a sustainable future, but they will also have the potential to earn income from their projects by selling excess energy generated back to the grid. This initiative is part of the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), which has already allocated over £65 million to more than 900 renewable energy projects across the country.

The pilot scheme of the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund will run until March 2025, providing valuable insights that will shape future support for community-owned energy generation projects through CARES.

Scotland’s Net Zero Secretary, Màiri McAllan, emphasised the importance of placing communities at the forefront of the renewable energy transition, stating, “Scotland is fast evolving into a renewable energy leader, benefiting our people, economy, and environment. Communities in Scotland must play a pivotal role in this transition, leading and reaping the rewards of this historic change. The fund will facilitate the creation of locally-owned energy projects, reducing energy costs, generating revenue, and driving Scotland’s journey towards net zero.”

Chris Morris, the manager at fund administrator Local Energy Scotland, expressed enthusiasm for supporting the fund and highlighted the potential for communities across Scotland to accelerate their renewable energy projects with this funding. He added, “This fund presents an exciting opportunity for communities to achieve their renewable energy goals, and Local Energy Scotland is here to help identify the best opportunities and guide communities on the next steps.”