Almost 50 community projects across Scotland are set to benefit from over £5.5 million in funding to install local renewable energy schemes, such as wind turbines and solar panels.

The funding is being allocated through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme’s (CARES) Community Energy Generation Growth Fund, supported by both the Scottish Government and Great British Energy. In total, 46 community groups will receive allocations this year.

Energy Secretary Gillian Martin confirmed the 2025 allocations during Scotland’s Climate Week, noting that the funding has the potential to lever in significant funds for communities, for example, by allowing them to earn money by selling excess energy back to the grid.

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Key Projects Across Scotland

The funding aims to support a greener, fairer future by ensuring communities share in the benefits of the renewable transition. The grants will support stand-alone generation projects that respond directly to local needs.

Among the projects awarded funding are:

• Arran Community Renewables for work on building the community-owned Glenkiln Solar Farm.

• Eigg Electric, to support their ambition towards decarbonising the island by 2030.

• Huntly Development Trust’s project to generate up to 20MW of potential wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

The Edinburgh Solar Co-op site in southwest Edinburgh received an offer of more than £480,000 for installing further solar panels on schools, community centres, and leisure facilities. This will generate free electricity for the buildings and provide a fixed return for local supporters.

UK Government Minister for Energy Michael Shanks praised the initiative, saying it is "empowering communities across Scotland to take a stake in their own energy," whether it be on Arran or in Aberdeenshire.

With this allocation, the total number of funding offers through the Growth Fund has risen to 69 since its launch last year, supporting 57 different community energy projects in total.