Community Energy Scotland

It is an independent Scottish charity providing free advice, and support for renewable energy projects developed by community groups to benefit their community. This extends to non-profit distributing organisations such as social enterprises and housing associations.

What do they do?
They help groups develop projects which improve their community, generate power and gain income for further community development. They support groups to strengthen their capacity to take projects forward. They have created a network of Development Officers to deliver with this support. They see themselves as a ‘can do’ organisation with a flexible approach and with our help, they can support your local group to develop projects which will have real impact within your community.

They are also able to provide support and guidance to communities applying to the Scottish Government's Community and Renewable Energy Loan Scheme (CARES). The scheme provides loans towards the high risk, pre-planning consent stages of renewable energy projects which have significant community engagement and benefit.

They assist from the earliest stage of a project idea through to helping to ensure it is run-ning properly once completed. For example, They can help you if you want to fit renewable energy equipment into a building to help reduce your running costs and use of fossil fuels such as oil. They can also help if you wish to develop a larger-scale project to generate and sell energy to gain a long-term income for your community or organisation. aim is to build confidence, resilience and wealth at community level in Scotland through sustainable energy development. They were set up to help communities make the most of opportunities available to them through sustainable energy development. In particular, installing micro-generation technologies into community halls and other facilities can help reduce running costs

Larger-scale technologies (eg. community-owned wind farms or hydro projects) can generate significant, long term income for communities. The funds generated can provide real opportunities for a community in its own development plans. Through their network of development officers they work with communities at every level, helping them to reap the benefits of local level energy generation.

For further information

Go to the website for details of all the information they provide and details of support.
Please contact info@communityenergyscotland.org.uk for further information on how to get started.

Key words: Community, enviroment, education, youth, schools