Tag: CARES conference

Community energy projects to benefit from £1.8 million

Supporting communities to generate their own power

Communities on the island of Mull, the V&A Dundee and King’s Church in Aberdeen are amongst 23 local projects being awarded a share of £1.8 million to deliver renewable energy projects. 

Two Edinburgh projects – one from Porty Energy and the other from Edinburgh Leisure – are among the successful applicants.

The funding will enable community groups to generate their own power through renewable energy projects such as wind turbines and solar, while giving successful applicants the ability to earn money from their projects by selling excess energy generated.

Supported through a combination of Scottish Government and Great British Energy funding, the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme’s (CARES) Community Energy Generation Growth Fund will provide grants for equipment, installation and feasibility work for projects including: 

  • Emmaus Glasgow – to install renewable energy in a homeless centre   
  • the decarbonisation of Robert Gordon University’s sports hall in Aberdeen 
  • the installation of Solar PV energy generation at Saints Community Football club in St Johnstone           

This year, the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund has made a total of 71 funding offers – totalling more than £7.3 million – to community energy projects across the country. 

Speaking ahead of the CARES conference, Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Community-led energy projects are at the heart of Scotland’s journey to net zero.

“By empowering local groups to generate their own clean energy with local solutions, we are not only cutting emissions but also reducing costs and creating resilient communities. These projects show what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision for a sustainable future. 

“This funding is giving communities the tools and confidence to take control of their own energy needs, keep money circulating locally, and build a fairer, greener economy.  

“Scotland’s transition to net zero must be inclusive and fair, and community energy is a vital part of ensuring that everyone benefits from the opportunities of a clean energy future.” 

UK Government Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said: ““Great British Energy is empowering communities in Scotland to take a stake in their own energy. 

“This is our clean energy superpower mission in action – putting communities in the driving seat of energy generation and making sure working people and local businesses profit.”  

Local Energy Scotland Manager Chris Morris said: “It’s great to see more community groups and charities developing energy projects and we’d like to congratulate all our successful applicants.

“We know how much effort goes into developing these inspiring proposals and we’re looking forward to working with them to deliver lasting impact – locally and across the country.

“This is a crucial time for community energy projects in Scotland. Through CARES, we’re helping local groups turn ambition into action, creating projects that not only reduce carbon emissions but also deliver long-term social and economic benefits for communities.”

Community Energy Generation Growth Fund · Local Energy Scotland

Community energy projects allow local groups to participate directly in Scotland’s transition to net zero, delivering financial and social benefits while helping communities take control of their energy supply. 

Up to £1.8 million of funding will be awarded through the latest round of the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund:

Applicant Name Project Title Total amount (£) 
The Antonine Sports Centre, Clydebank Solar PV and Battery on Antonine Sports Centre £102,400 
Islamic Education Trust, Cumbernauld IETC Solar and Battery £102,176 
King’s Church, Aberdeen King’s Church Aberdeen Solar PV Project £102,334 
Prestwick Tennis and Fitness Prestwick Tennis Centre Solar Panel Project £124,800 
Loch Arthur Camphill Community Micro-grid at Lochend £159,576 
McLaren Community Leisure, Callander McLaren CLC Green Energy Pooling Sustainable Power £241,275 
Islay Energy Trust Castlehill Solar Array Phase 2 £152,000 
Rosewell Development Trust Greener Communities Rosewell £46,065 
Porty Community Energy, Edinburgh Porty Community Solar £51,119 
Emmaus Glasgow Solar Panel Renewable Energy for Homeless Centre £113,750 
Design Dundee Ltd V&A Museum- Net Zero Installation £193,864 
Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen RGU Sport Decarbonisation of electricity £23,600 
Loch Arthur Camphill Community Micro hydroelectric plant £20,000 
Winchburgh Community Development Trust Winchburgh Solar- Commonwatt £12,000 
Birse Community Trust, Banchory Hydro Power feasibility study £20,000 
Glasgow East End Community Carers Ltd Project Green Space £72,790 
Blairgowrie Community Energy Blairgowrie Community Energy £5,470 
Saints Community Football SCIO (St Cuthberts), St Johnstone PV Energy Generation Scheme £96,167 
Edinburgh Leisure Solar PV & feasibility Study £74,208 
East Lothian Climate Action Newtork Hub Ltd Commonwatt 2 £20,000 
Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) Scaling up community energy in Mull £19,500 
Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Development Trust Upscaled Orkney Site Feasibility Options Appraisal £47,000 
Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh (Barra & Vatersay Community) Ltd Barra & Vatersay Energy Local Club £20,000 

Investing in community energy

£9 million for community energy generation and energy efficiency improvements

Communities across the country will benefit from £9 million Scottish Government funding for measures to help cut energy costs and support the development of locally-owned renewable energy projects.

The funding – which builds on the successful Community Energy Generation Growth Fund pilot – will be used to scale up community energy projects across Scotland as part of a drive to cut carbon emissions, create local jobs, reduce energy costs and stimulate local investment.

It includes:

  • £3.5 million for a new Community Energy Generation Growth Fund to support communities to develop their own renewable energy projects – such as installing wind turbines and solar panels
  • £4.5 million to help local groups decarbonise their buildings through the installation of renewable measures such as heat pumps and solar PV panels, alongside energy efficiency measures, that reduce energy costs and emissions
  • £1 million for capacity building and development support to help develop and progress early ideas for new community energy projects

Announcing the funding at the annual Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) conference in Glasgow, Acting Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan said: “Communities must be at the heart of our transition to net zero and must see the benefits of this just transition.

“This transition is about both the outcome – a fairer, greener future – and the way we get there in partnership with those most likely to be impacted by these changes.

“That is why I am pleased to announce this £9 million investment from the Scottish Government will be available to communities through CARES over the next year.  

“Scotland has diverse communities – from those in our cities, to those in rural areas and on our islands. I am committed to supporting all these communities to take part in and benefit from the growth of Scotland’s energy sector.” 

Chief Executive Officer of Community Energy Scotland Zoë Holliday said: “The Scottish Government’s continued commitment to community energy is welcome news for groups across Scotland.

“The reintroduction of funding for stand-alone generation projects has the potential to lever in significant funds locally and play a key role in the just transition.

“We are also delighted to see a new fund focussing on capacity building for communities; we have been calling for such support to ensure that when it comes to the energy transition, no community is left behind.”

More information about Community Energy Generation Growth Fund.