The Scottish Government’s £1.5 million Community Energy Generation Growth Fund has opened for applications.
The fund will support community groups across Scotland to set up renewable energy generation projects.
It is open to established and incorporated community groups, for example Development Trusts, and Community Energy and Climate Action Groups.
Net Zero Secretary in the Scottish Government Màiri McAllan said:
“Scotland is fast becoming a renewable energy powerhouse, with enormous benefits for our people, economy and environment.
“Scotland’s communities must be at the heart of this journey. I am determined to ensure they can lead and benefit from this era defining transition.
“This fund will support the creation of locally owned energy projects which can reduce energy costs, generate revenue and help drive Scotland’s transition to net zero.”
What can be funded?
- Developing and installing community owned renewable energy generation, including wind, solar PV and hydro.
- Projects that sell electricity through a connection to the national grid or supplying a local energy demand.
- Most of the available funding is capital funding. This can be used for costs that support bringing assets to site for installation and construction costs.
- There is a small amount of funding available for feasibility studies and options appraisals.
- Funding is available for projects that can reach a significant project milestone by 28 February 2025.
Find out more here: Community Energy Generation Growth Fund
Chris Morris manager at fund administrator, Local Energy Scotland said:
“We are excited to support this fund and we know that there are communities across Scotland who are developing renewable energy projects who can accelerate their projects with this funding.
“This fund can help communities to realise their ambitions and Local Energy Scotland can help identify the best opportunities and prioritise next steps.”