Communities across Scotland are being encouraged to apply for a renewed £8 million funding initiative aimed at expanding local renewable energy projects.
The Community Energy Generation Growth Fund has reopened to support grassroots schemes focused on clean energy generation.
The fund offers financial support for the installation of wind turbines, solar panels, hydroelectric systems and other renewable technologies tailored to meet local energy needs. It also enables communities to generate income by selling surplus electricity back to the grid.
Funded in part by a £4 million contribution from the UK Government’s Great British Energy firm, the initiative forms part of the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). This programme is designed to help community-led projects contribute to Scotland’s transition to net zero.
Since its inception, CARES has supported more than 990 projects, providing over £67 million in funding and guidance to more than 1,300 organisations across Scotland. The new funding round is expected to attract even more applicants aiming to establish energy independence and boost local economies.
The fund is aligned with Scotland’s commitment to a just transition, ensuring the benefits of the renewable energy shift are shared across all communities. It also reflects a growing partnership between the Scottish and UK governments to promote green innovation at the local level.
Local Energy Scotland, the organisation managing the fund, noted increased interest during a previous pilot phase, with proposals ranging from installing solar panels on public buildings to gaining approvals for community-owned wind farms.
By enabling towns and villages to become small-scale energy producers, the fund supports not only environmental goals but also long-term financial resilience for communities.
Applications for the fund are now open, and interested groups are encouraged to begin the process of developing their renewable energy projects.
