Seventeen local energy projects from across Scotland have been awarded funding to support the development of green energy schemes. More than 100 applications were received from community groups, charities, local authorities, housing associations, universities and businesses through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) Local Energy Challenge Fund.
The successful applicants can use the funding to develop their ideas and proposals to take them to the next stage of the Challenge Fund. Winning proposals range from Shetland to the Borders, and include proposals to address grid constraints, innovative district heating schemes, hydrogen production and energy storage.
“We have an ambition to put communities at the heart of local energy systems," said Energy Minister Fergus Ewing. "There are huge benefits to local energy ownership, like supporting the needs of the community for decades to come, whilst creating and securing jobs, underpinning regeneration and funding energy efficiency improvements for hundreds of local people."
A complete list of the award recipients is available online.