Local energy systems

The Scottish Energy Strategy sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for the future energy system in Scotland.

One of its core principles is to take a ‘whole-system’ view (considering heat, transport and electricity); and recognising the effect that each element of the energy system has on others.

CARES aims to develop innovative and integrated local energy systems to support this approach.

How we can help

We’ve put together these resources to help you develop your own local energy system project:

• A step-by-step guide to combining solar PV, battery storage and electric vehicle charging in one project. This guide was based on the experience of Comrie Croft, one of our case studies.
• An Innovative Energy System module, including examples of projects funded by the Local Energy Challenge Fund.
• Development of hydrogen projects in Scotland - Lessons learnt from three Local Energy Challenge Fund projects
• Project summaries and reports from our Innovation and Infrastructure Fund and Local Energy Challenge Fund.

Developing Islay's local energy system

The Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Argyll and Bute Council are working to promote a collective approach to developing Islay’s local energy system. This work has been supported by Local Energy Scotland.

Other resources:

• Overcoming grid connection issues for community energy projects – a research paper from Cornwall Energy identifying issues that community energy projects face.
• New community energy development models in Scotland - a research paper from Cornwall Energy. Visit our Useful Reports page for the report and its appendices.

Got an idea? 

• Contact your local development officer to discuss your idea
• Find out more about our Innovation Grants to help develop your project.