Charity aims to get people to think local on projects

Published on Monday 6 October 2008 21:44

A CHARITY is launched today aimed at creating thousands of community-owned renewable energy projects across Scotland over the next decade.

Community Energy Scotland (CES) said it hoped a wide range of projects, from micro-renewable energy plants to wind farms and even wind-powered electric transport, could be started and owned at community level.

CES has grown out of the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company, which was set up in 2004 and has since helped hundreds of community groups to benefit from renewable energy.

These include Gigha, where three wind turbines have been installed; Knoydart, which has a micro-hydro scheme; Unst, where a hydrogen fuel project is based; and North Harris, where local people are planning their own wind farm.

The body was made Scotland-wide because of growing demand for help.

Alan Hobbett, chairman of CES, said: "These projects can bring real benefits to communities, helping to reduce energy costs and even to bring much-needed cash into the community, while helping reduce Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions and establish Scotland as a leader in renewable energy development."