Open spaces across Milton and Easterhouse in Glasgow have been designated for new community-led energy projects, designed to bring significant benefits directly back into local neighbourhoods. In total, four sites – one in Milton and three in Easterhouse – will make over 5.5 hectares of land available for community organisations to develop renewable energy initiatives.

These sites are being allocated through Glasgow City Council's newly launched Community Renewable Energy Framework (CREF), which aims to empower local groups to determine the most suitable renewable energy approach for their specific community. The council has pledged comprehensive support for participating organisations throughout the development process, working in collaboration with Local Energy Scotland (LES). LES, responsible for administering the Scottish Government's CARES fund, brings extensive experience in aiding Scottish communities to develop successful renewable energy systems, with profits often reinvested into local areas.

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Councillor Angus Millar, City Convener for Climate, underscored the dual benefits of the CREF: “This is a great opportunity for local organisations to take control of often unused spaces and turn them into something valuable for their community. The prize for any of the community groups that get involved will be the opportunity to develop a space within their area to generate not only clean, renewable energy but also to bring wider benefits for their local community.” He added that the framework would also support the growth of renewable energy in the city, helping Glasgow achieve its net-zero carbon emissions target.

Chris Morris, Local Energy Scotland Manager, commented: "The Community Renewable Energy Framework is a pioneering model of collaboration to support community energy development. Local Energy Scotland have wide-ranging experience in providing support for community energy projects. We are looking forward to working with local groups through the CREF as they begin to develop their renewable energy projects."

The council is now inviting interested community organisations to submit their proposals for the sites by late August this year. Workshops will be held in late July to provide assistance and address any questions regarding the application process. All applications will need to clearly demonstrate how the proposed projects will directly benefit the local community.