The Scottish Government have launched a new funding initiative for community renewable energy to assist in setting up pilot schemes for locally owned projects, and has issued a consultation on the new Community Energy Policy Statement, with a closing date for responses of 10 November 2014.
The Scottish Government writes:
Community partners will be able to bid to be part of a new £20 million local energy challenge fund, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.
The First Minister said the fund will help reshape how energy is delivered and used in communities throughout the country, confirming Scotland’s position as a global leader in renewables and low carbon development.
Mr Salmond was speaking ahead of today’s cabinet meeting in Arbroath, the final meeting before next month’s referendum.
From today (August 18), local partnerships including community groups, charities, local authorities, housing associations, universities and businesses can apply to set up low-carbon energy pilot projects in their areas, through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) Local Energy Challenge Fund.
The Scottish Government’s target is to see 500 MW of renewables in the community and locally-owned by 2020. The Fraser of Allander Institute has now estimated that this target will be worth up to £2.2 billion over the lifetime of associated projects.
The new fund coincides with the launch of the Community Energy Policy Statement (CEPS) which sets out the Scottish Government’s record of support for community energy and new ambition for holistic local energy solutions. Members of the public and other interested parties will be asked to put forward their views on the statement during a 12-week consultation period.
The Local Energy Fund website
Community Energy Fund policy draft
