The funding will enable community groups to generate their own power through renewable energy projects such as wind turbines and solar, while giving successful applicants the ability to earn money from their projects by selling excess energy generated.

Supported through a combination of Scottish Government and Great British Energy funding, the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme’s (CARES) Community Energy Generation Growth Fund will provide grants for equipment, installation and feasibility work for projects including:

• Emmaus Glasgow – to install renewable energy in a homeless centre
• the decarbonisation of Robert Gordon University’s sports hall in Aberdeen
• the installation of Solar PV energy generation at Saints Community Football Club in St Johnstone.

This year, the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund has made a total of 71 funding offers - totalling more than £7.3m - to community energy projects across the country.

Speaking ahead of the CARES conference, climate action and energy secretary Gillian Martin said: “Community-led energy projects are at the heart of Scotland’s journey to net zero. By empowering local groups to generate their own clean energy with local solutions, we are not only cutting emissions but also reducing costs and creating resilient communities. These projects show what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision for a sustainable future.

“This funding is giving communities the tools and confidence to take control of their own energy needs, keep money circulating locally, and build a fairer, greener economy.

“Scotland’s transition to net zero must be inclusive and fair, and community energy is a vital part of ensuring that everyone benefits from the opportunities of a clean energy future.”

UK Government minister for energy Michael Shanks said: “Great British Energy is empowering communities in Scotland to take a stake in their own energy.

“This is our clean energy superpower mission in action – putting communities in the driving seat of energy generation and making sure working people and local businesses profit.”

Local Energy Scotland manager Chris Morris said: “It’s great to see more community groups and charities developing energy projects and we’d like to congratulate all our successful applicants. We know how much effort goes into developing these inspiring proposals and we’re looking forward to working with them to deliver lasting impact - locally and across the country.

“This is a crucial time for community energy projects in Scotland. Through CARES, we’re helping local groups turn ambition into action, creating projects that not only reduce carbon emissions but also deliver long-term social and economic benefits for communities.”

The recipients in full:

• The Antonine Sports Centre, Clydebank - Solar PV and Battery on Antonine Sports Centre £102,400
• Islamic Education Trust, Cumbernauld - IETC Solar and Battery £102,176 
• King’s Church, Aberdeen - King’s Church Aberdeen Solar PV Project £102,334
• Prestwick Tennis and Fitness - Prestwick Tennis Centre Solar Panel Project £124,800 
• Loch Arthur Camphill Community - Micro-grid at Lochend £159,576 
• McLaren Community Leisure, Callander - McLaren CLC Green Energy Pooling Sustainable Power £241,275 
• Islay Energy Trust - Castlehill Solar Array Phase 2 £152,000
• Rosewell Development Trust - Greener Communities Rosewell £46,065 
• Porty Community Energy, Edinburgh - Porty Community Solar £51,119 
• Emmaus Glasgow - Solar Panel Renewable Energy for Homeless Centre £113,750 
• Design Dundee Ltd - V&A Museum- Net Zero Installation £193,864 
• Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen - RGU Sport Decarbonisation of electricity £23,600 
• Loch Arthur Camphill Community - Micro hydroelectric plant £20,000 
• Winchburgh Community Development Trust - Winchburgh Solar- Commonwatt £12,000 
• Birse Community Trust, Banchory - Hydro Power feasibility study £20,000 
• Glasgow East End Community Carers Ltd - Project Green Space £72,790 
• Blairgowrie Community Energy - Blairgowrie Community Energy £5,470 
• Saints Community Football SCIO (St Cuthberts), St Johnstone - PV Energy Generation Scheme £96,167 
• Edinburgh Leisure - Solar PV & feasibility study £74,208 
• East Lothian Climate Action Network Hub Ltd - Commonwatt 2 £20,000 
• Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) - Scaling up community energy in Mull £19,500 
• Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Development Trust - Upscaled Orkney Site Feasibility Options Appraisal £47,000
• Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh (Barra & Vatersay Community) Ltd - Barra & Vatersay Energy Local Club £20,000