Community Energy Scotland

Community Energy Scotland
Type Charity
Registration No. SC SC039673
Founded 2008
Location Dingwall, Highland, Scotland
Area served Scotland
Mission To provide practical help for Scottish communities on green energy development.
Motto Empowering Communities
Website www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk

Community Energy Scotland is an independent Scottish charity established in 2008 that provides advice and financial support for renewable energy projects developed by community groups in Scotland.[1] The stated aim of Community Energy Scotland is 'to build confidence, resilience and wealth at community level in Scotland through sustainable energy development'.[2]

Contents

History

Having evolved from the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company (or HICEC), a subsidiary of Highlands and Islands Enterprise formed in 2004, Community Energy Scotland became an independent entity with a national remit in the summer of 2008.[3] They currently employ twelve members of staff plus several agents in areas distant from the head office in Dingwall.[1][4] Community Energy Scotland is an independent charity governed by its members.[5] The charity works closely with its members to develop projects which bring most benefit to their local communities.[6]

Community Energy Scotland funds projects through the Scottish Government's Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). This extends to non-profit distributing organisations such as social enterprises and housing associations. The charity receives additional funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise to support its work with communities in the Highlands and Islands.[7] The charity also acts as a lobbying organisation with the aim of 'ensuring that community energy achieves a high status on Scotland's political agenda'.[8]

Projects

The renewable energy potential of their area of operation is considerable,[9] with a large number of small communities which are pioneering community owned and led projects. Many of these renewable energy projects are being undertaken by social enterprises such as development trusts.[10]

The projects supported by Community Energy Scotland include:

Annual conference

Since 2005 the annual conference has been held at Inverie, Knoydart; Tarbert, Harris; Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye; Stirling (26-27 August 2009); and Edinburgh (26 October 2010). The 2011 Community Energy Scotland conference and training day will be held on 25-26 October in Inverness. [18]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b HICEC. (2006) Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company Annual Review. Inverness. [1].
  2. ^ "About Us" Community Energy Scotland. Retrieved 11 July 2011.
  3. ^ "Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company" HIE. Retrieved 19 September 2008.
  4. ^ Empowering Communities: Annual Review 2006-7". HICEC. Dingwall.
  5. ^ "Our Membership" Community Energy Scotland. Retrieved 11 July 2011.
  6. ^ "Members" Community Energy Scotland. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  7. ^ "About Us" Community Energy Scotland. Retrieved 11 July 2011.
  8. ^ "Members" Community Energy Scotland. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  9. ^ Restats UK Department of Trade and Industry Renewable Energy Database
  10. ^ DTA Scotland
  11. ^ "The Story Of The Windmills" Isle Of Gigha
  12. ^ Ecocongregation An ecumenical programme helping churches make the link between environmental issues and Christian faith.
  13. ^ "Knoydart Renewables" Knoydart Foundation
  14. ^ "Case Study" PURE Shetland
  15. ^ "Isle of Eigg, Inner Hebrides, Scotland - 2007" Wind and Sun Ltd. Retrieved 20 September 2007.
  16. ^ "North Harris community wind farm approved" (February 2008) John Muir Trust Journal No. 44.
  17. ^ The application was originally opposed by Scottish Natural Heritage. The objection "caused outrage" and was withdrawn in September 2007. See Ross, David, (4 September 2007) "Heritage body in U-turn over island wind farm". Glasgow. The Herald.
  18. ^ "Annual Conference" Community Energy Scotland

External links