CARES has advised over 1,300 organisations across Scotland and has offered over £67 million in funding to over 990 projects.
CARES has also helped support the installation of 66MW of renewable energy.
Location notice
Please note that this page contains information and links most relevant for people living in Scotland.
The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) is managed by the Local Energy Scotland consotrium. We’re a partner in this consortium alongside Changeworks, the Energy Agency, and Scarf.
CARES encourages the local or community ownership of renewable energy across Scotland. The programme aims to accelerate progress towards the Scottish Government’s target of 2GW of community and locally owned energy by 2030. The goal of CARES is that communities across Scotland are engaging, participating and benefiting in the energy transition to net zero.
This is achieved through funding and support for community groups to install renewable energy generation.
Impact
What does CARES offer?
- Free, expert and impartial advice.
- Support for feasibility studies.
- Free online resources including toolkits and project guides.
- Access to project managers for support and advice.
- Help with design review, costs, and procurement support.
- Ongoing support with project development.
- Funding through grants and low interest loans to develop projects.
Local Energy Scotland has a network of regional development officers who provide free impartial advice and support to communities on engaging with renewable energy. There’s also a range of financial support available.