The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) supports communities to engage with, participate in, and benefit from the energy transition to net zero emissions.

Local Energy Scotland has launched the Community Heat Development Programme to work with eligible community organisations and groups of householders to help develop their ideas for locally-generated, low and zero carbon heat project ideas. Successful applicants will receive technical support to appraise the feasibility of their project. The programme will support community led approaches to decarbonise heat.

The programme won’t pay to install renewable technologies or energy efficiency measures in your homes. Instead, expert advisors will work with successful applicants to consider the feasibility of your community heat project idea and will give you advice on next steps, including any potential routes for further funding.

Who can apply

Local Energy Scotland will accept applications from both:

• groups of householders
• constituted community organisations.

Groups of householders and community organisations will need to evidence good levels of interest from their local community/neighbours.

Community organisations must be constituted, non-profit distributing community organisations, including organisations with charitable status. They should be established and operating across a geographically defined community.

How to apply

Complete the online enquiry form on the Local Energy Scotland website. If you are invited to apply you will be sent an application form to complete. Successful applicants will be supported to carry out a feasibility study and guided on the next steps.