Additional funding of £5.5m is being made available for renewables projects in Scotland to contribute towards a green recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Communities will be able to bid for a share of £4.5m through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), which funds local renewable projects.
A further £1m is being made available through the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) – a scheme which provides support for innovative energy projects such as heat networks and integrated energy systems.
Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse announced the investment as he addressed the virtual All Energy Conference. He also confirmed that Lewis Shand Smith, former chief ombudsman in energy, telecoms and property, has been appointed chair of the newly formed Energy Consumers Commission.
“Renewables will play an increasing role in helping us achieve a green recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic. As we continue to plan for a safe restart to the economy, we must continue to work together to bring forward new renewable energy projects right across Scotland,” said Wheelhouse.
“The investment I am announcing today will help to push forward renewables projects that will help to rebuild the economy, support local communities to build their strength and resilience, and help us achieve our net-zero ambitions.
“Consumers and local communities are integral to the green recovery and helping us rebuild following the pandemic. The new Energy Consumers Commission is a key part of that, and I would like to welcome Lewis Shand Smith – who brings a wealth of experience – as the commission’s first chair.”