New to community energy?
Launchpad supports communities at the first stages of their energy activity, exploring options, and preparing groups ready to bid for Local Energy Scotland funding. The scheme is being delivered by Community Energy Scotland in partnership with Development Trusts Association Scotland who help community enterprises develop.
We recognise that starting a new community energy project can be daunting and it’s tricky to know where to start. The Community Energy Launchpad is here to help and will support communities interested in learning about community energy and exploring the options available to them. With our help to take the first steps, you could end up installing solar panels on a community building, developing a community-owned wind turbine, or investigating shared ownership, where a community group invests in a commercially owned renewable energy project. The Community Energy Launchpad will help in the initial stages, supporting community organisations to be ready to work with the team at Local Energy Scotland and deliver your project.
What support is on offer?
The Community Energy Launchpad helps community groups across Scotland to take the first steps into renewable energy and shared ownership projects and explore the options available.
Through the Community Energy Launchpad you can:
- Get one to one support from a local Community Energy Officer who can advise on everything from narrowing down the types of projects that you might be interested in, to helping with community engagement and getting input from your local community for your idea.
- Receive advice on identifying renewable energy opportunities in your community.
- Peer mentoring opportunities – apply now at launchpad@communityenergy.scot
- Access expertise from within Community Energy Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) on areas including governance, democratic finance or technical input on appropriate technology and sizing.
- Connect with experienced community energy mentors who can share insights and lessons learned from their own community energy journey.
- Attend workshops with practical guidance on early-stage project development. Financial support is available for costs such as childcare and travel costs to attend workshops.
- Receive tailored support for emerging projects, including help to set up strong governance foundations and establish community benefit societies or other appropriate legal structures.
- Facilitate collaboration between communities, encouraging cooperative approaches that increase shared capacity and negotiating strength.
- Gain the tools and confidence to explore renewable energy and shared ownership options.
If you already have a well-formed idea, contact Local Energy Scotland or visit their website for alternative support and funding options.
If you’d like further information about the Community Energy Launchpad, please contact Community Energy Scotland at launchpad@communityenergy.scot
The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) provides funding and support to help communities to benefit from the transition to net zero. The scheme is delivered by Local Energy Scotland. The Launchpad is being delivered by Community Energy Scotland in partnership with Development Trusts Association Scotland who help community enterprises develop. The Launchpad will also work closely with the Climate Hubs across Scotland, with Community Energy Officers working in collaboration with the following Climate Hubs: Dumfries and Galloway Climate Hub, Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network, Forth Valley Climate Action Hub Highlands and Islands Climate Hub , NESCAN and Renfrewshire Climate Action Network.
