The Scottish Government has announced £9 million in funding to support the development of community-led renewable energy projects across Scotland.

The funding will be used to:

• Support the development of new community energy projects: £3.5 million will be allocated to a new Community Energy Generation Growth Fund to help communities develop and implement their own renewable energy projects, such as wind turbines and solar panels.

• Decarbonise community buildings: £4.5 million will be used to help local groups decarbonise their buildings by installing renewable energy technologies such as heat pumps and solar PV panels, alongside energy efficiency measures.

-- Advertisement --

• Enhance community energy capacity: £1 million will be dedicated to capacity building and development support, helping communities to develop and progress early ideas for new community energy projects.

"Communities must be at the heart of our transition to net zero and must see the benefits of this just transition," said Acting Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan. "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."

Zoë Holliday, Chief Executive Officer of Community Energy Scotland, welcomed the announcement: "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."

This funding will play a crucial role in supporting the development of community-led renewable energy projects across Scotland, contributing to the country's transition to a net-zero emissions future.