Community Energy Scotland

📣 Does your community run a car club?

❓ Insurance challenges? Insurance solutions?

❗️ Car clubs are valuable resources in communities and some are already being lost due to insurance challenges.

‼️ Urgent help required! Please complete Scottish Rural and Islands Transport Community's survey and share it with your local residents for their contributions too.

🚗 Calling all UK community-led car clubs in the UK! 🚗

We are collaborating with SRITC members, partners, and other stakeholders to address a significant challenge for community-led car clubs in the UK: obtaining insurance. This issue has impacted many clubs' ability to operate and serve their communities, particularly in rural areas. We want to understand the full extent of this challenge and how it affects community transport options, while also seeking solutions together. We also want to extend a special thank you to Scottish Rural Action and SRUC for their invaluable support in helping us develop this survey.

🔍 We need your input! If your car club or members in your community are experiencing insurance-related challenges, we invite you to participate in our survey. Whether your club is currently operational or you're considering starting one, your feedback is valuable. The survey also welcomes personal experiences: https://forms.gle/CYrEtjRaMnUUXt3WA.

💬 For more information, reach out to Nikki at [email protected].

Let's work together to ensure community car clubs can continue to provide essential transportation services!



Scottish Islands Federation Community Transport Association Energy Saving Trust VisitScotland Development Trusts Association Scotland Transport Scotland Community Energy Scotland Sustrans Scotland Scottish National Rural Network Zero Waste Bute LEAP Car Club Electric Car Club - TECC Tisbury Electric Car Club Sact Car Club Moray Carshare Rousay Egilsay & Wyre Development Trust Zero Carbon Daviot Derwent Valley Car Club Weardale Eco Car Club Zero Waste Bute

✒️ We've signed an open letter calling on The Scottish Government to support the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill proposed by Sarah Boyack MSP for Lothian.

It would help Scotland improve and build as we tackle the multiple crises we are facing.

WEAll - Wellbeing Economy Alliance Future Generation Commission

Over 130 campaigners call on Scottish Government to back world leading legislation campaigners have united in calling for wellbeing and sustainable development to be at the heart of policy making in Scotland.

⭐️ Our new Policy Manager, Amanda Grimm, met with the Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan MSP last week, alongside Sustaining Dunbar and other community groups.

♻️ They discussed how investment in community energy projects pays dividends in social and environmental benefit.

✔️ Great example: a community group in the Scottish Borders developed a 'community heat team model', training up volunteers to use heat cameras, survey people's homes, point out where they are losing heat and direct them to funding and advice. Now this model is being replicated by groups in East Lothian, helping even more people reduce energy bills, stay warm and cut carbon.

Sustaining Musselburgh East Lothian Climate Action Network
Scottish Communities Climate Action Network
Net Zero Scotland

See the day's event details here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/eastlothianclimatehub1/1383845

🤩 New post at CES! Shetland Rural Energy Hub Officer £30k+

📍 Great if you're Shetland based; we'll also consider you if you're based in Orkney or mainland Scotland.

If you've a passion for community action on low-carbon transport and active travel, have good people and community engagement skills, this could be the job for you!

Careers & Opps – Community Energy Scotland Careers and Opportunities Community Energy Scotland is made up of a dynamic, friendly and hard-working team, with a committed passion for local decarbonisation solutions and community resilience.We advertise our vacancies here and on various job advertising sites, as well as our social media platfor...

👁 Scotland's Just Transition Commission joins the call for better energy justice for Scotland's communities.

CES' CEO, Zoe Holliday:

"The Just Transition Commission's recent report highlights the importance of empowering local communities to make the most of the opportunities from the energy transition - this message is at the heart of the work we have been doing with the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy (SCCE).

"A number of the key messages in the report directly overlap with the SCCE's own calls to action, including capacity building for communities, scaling up opportunities for 100% community owned energy projects, reserving space on the grid for community energy and maximising community benefits and shared ownership opportunities.

"Our shared vision is an opportunity and we look forward to working with the Just Transition Commission to bring about a Fair Energy Deal for Scottish communities."

📑 Find the report here >>> https://www.justtransition.scot/publication/shetland-community-benefit-and-the-energy-transition/

Commission: Communities should have right to share of renewable energy projects - TFN Scotland’s Just Transition Commission said this would “super-charge” Just Transition to net-zero.

This is good news about SP Energy Networks!

Zoe Holliday, CES' CEO said:

“It is great to see a big name in Scottish energy like SP Energy Networks taking the initiative to create a dedicated community energy team.

“Scotland has always been at the forefront of renewable energy, and with this additional support, local communities will be better equipped to develop and implement their own sustainable energy projects.”

New Community Energy team launches to help local green ambitions and support Scottish Government targets - Scottish Business News SP Energy Networks has established a new team dedicated to supporting the community energy ambitions of community groups within its network areas. The team and accompanying community energy strategy recognises the importance of community energy in helping both the UK as a whole and local communities...

📣 Calling all Orkney community members - please share this with your communities and encourage them to take part in the Orkney Household Energy Survey.

📣 The Survey's open to all Orkney residents, so individuals can take part too.

❗️ It will provide vital information to help create future support for Orkney's people.

🌟 Chance to win a £50 voucher when folk take part!

Westray Development Trust Rousay Egilsay & Wyre Development Trust Shapinsay Development Trust Island of Hoy Development Trust Papay Development Trust Sanday Development Trust The North Ronaldsay Trust Eday Partnership Stronsay Development Trust STROMNESS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST THAW Orkney

As you might have heard on Tuesday's Around Orkney, households in the county are being encouraged to complete the Orkney Household Energy Survey.

Link: surveymonkey.com/r/XY5756M

You can fill in the survey online. Alternatively, a paper copy can be sent out to you or you can fill in a paper copy at the Balfour this week. The Rural Energy Hub will be in the foyer of the hospital all week, with representatives there on Wednesday and Friday between 9am and 1.30pm. Information will be available for folk to browse when there's nobody there in person.

🚲Get on your bike!

👣Lower those carbon miles; ☺️ increase health and transport opportunities♻️

Cycling UK have grants for new bikes, shared use, recycling and repairs.

Available to organisations whose registered business/charity address is in SPT, Sestran, ZetTrans and Nestrans.

Apply now! https://www.cyclinguk.org/cycle-access-fund

SEStran Nestrans

‼️ Scotland’s communities deserve a fairer share and stake in the ownership of and benefits from the renewables industry.

🤝 Shared ownership of : a Scottish Government ambition since 2014.

🌬 Only 0.2% of installed wind capacity is owned by local communities in Scotland to date.

🧐 See the Call to Action paper from Scottish Community Coalition on Energy (Community Energy Scotland, Development Trusts Association Scotland, Community Land Scotland and Scottish Communities Finance).

📣Proactive and transparent mapping
📣Further clarity on shared ownership policy and targets
📣Increased support to build community capacity
📣Development of the funding market for shared ownership
📣Fairer investment opportunities for all

is needed now between Scottish and UK governments and private renewable energy developers.

Blog >>> https://dtascot.org.uk/news-events/community-shared-ownership-call-to-action

Paper >>>https://communityenergyscotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Scottish-Community-Coalition-on-Energy-Community-Shared-Ownership-Paper-FINAL-1.pdf

MP Torcuil Crichton in new plea for community energy cash share-out.

CES welcome the MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Torcuil Crichton, for his call for compulsory community shares in all new windfarm developments and for the power regulator to guarantee access for community-owned turbines on the national grid. Speaking at the AGM of the Western Isles Labour Party over the weekend, Mr Crichton welcomed the government’s GB Energy Bill and called on Ministers to go further in meeting community demand.

https://www.welovestornoway.com/index.php/articles/35235-mp-in-new-plea-for-community-energy-cash-share-out%20%20MP%20in%20new%20plea%20for%20community%20energy%20cash%20share-out%20For%20the%20local%20news%20and%20events%20in%20the%20Western%20Isles,%20We%20Love%20Stornoway%20connects%20our%20island%20communities,%20highlighting%20key%20happenings%20and%20sharing%20positive%20stories.%20www.welovestornoway.com

Do you manage a Community Building in Orkney? We are looking for 5 Community Buildings to be a part of our Energy Monitoring project, a part of the Rural Energy Hubs project.

The aims of this project are to help better understand the energy consumption within Community Buildings to:
• Identify ways to reduce energy costs
• Improve the energy efficiency of community buildings
• Identify areas for improvement within community buildings

If you would like your Community Building to be considered for inclusion in this project, please fill in the eligibility questionnaire here (https://forms.office.com/e/xdq1StyDjT)or, alternatively, scan the QR code to complete the questionnaire on your smart phone. Please submit your response by Monday 30 September 2024. We will contact you to confirm whether you have been selected to participate and discuss the next steps.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks are looking for potential suppliers of Flexibility Services. If you’re not already familiar, Flexibility refers to the dynamic adjustment of electricity generation or consumption at the request of SSEN to manage power flow on our network. You can find more details about Flexibility Services on SSEN’s website: https://www.ssen.co.uk/about-ssen/dso/flexibility/flexibility-services/

SSEN recently published a Request for Information (RFI) for Flexibility Services in Scotland’s Islands. The RFI explores opportunities to implement these services to manage thermal constraints in the island regions.

Their primary objectives are to reduce diesel usage and manage demand peaks, particularly during outages. They are actively seeking feedback from potential providers to help them shape viable service designs. You can find some more information, as well as a link to the RFI document and response form here: https://www.ssen.co.uk/about-ssen/dso/flexibility/flexibility-services/

The RFI is open to a variety of entities capable of adjusting electricity use (either increasing or decreasing) at specific times upon request. This could be with EV chargers, heat pumps, batteries, or hydro. Entities that could achieve this with some investment and guidance on effective methods are also encouraged to apply. The deadline for the RFI response is Friday 20th September at 17:00.

https://www.ssen.co.uk/news-views/2024/SSEN-seeks-new-flexibility-providers-to-help-enhance-the-electricity-system-in-Scotlands-island-communities/

SSEN seeks new flexibility providers to enhance the electricity system in Scotland’s islands Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution established its first-ever Flexibility Services on Scotland’s islands. Now, we're looking to hear from you, as we take the next steps to grow flexibility in these communities.

🌟 Funding Opportunity: SSEN Transmission Regional Community Benefit Fund 🌟

We’re excited to share that applications for the Regional Fund, part of SSEN Transmission’s Community Benefit Fund, are now open! This first round of funding is designed to support projects in the North of Scotland that create a positive impact in local communities. 🌍✨

👉 Learn more and apply here: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/information-centre/Community-Benefit-Fund/

Community Benefit Fund Our network in the north of Scotland will play a leading role in the clean energy transition, connecting and transporting renewable electricity from wind, hydro and marine generation. Our Community Benefit Fund will allow a share of the benefits to go directly to those communities hosting this new i...

🚨 Deadline approaching: Head of Development Vacancy at CES

We are hiring a Head of Development to help continue our work as a leading community energy development charity!

🗓️ Deadline for applications: 5pm, Thursday 19th September

For full details and to apply, check out the application pack on our website

🔗https://communityenergyscotland.org.uk/new-careers-opps/

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at [email protected].

⭐️ So much going on at our conference last week! Thank you to everyone who travelled to be there and take part, and also to those who helped us deliver a successful day for our members.

🧐 New learnings and valuable connections were the order of the day.

👥 Busy workshops and engaging panel discussions framed the day's events.

📕 Watch out for the conference report if you couldn't make it!


Sponsors: SP Energy Networks Younity

Ariane Burgess MSP has lodged a motion in support of community energy!

We’re pleased to highlight a motion submitted by Ariane Burgess MSP (Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party) welcoming the launch of the Energy Learning Network. This new initiative aims to increase community energy across the UK, helping more communities access the long-term social and financial benefits of owning renewable energy projects.

Successful examples include:

- North Yell – where the community owns five wind turbines

- Tiree – home to a 900kW community-owned turbine

- Applecross – benefiting from a community hydro scheme

Despite the financial and regulatory hurdles faced, there’s a significant opportunity to expand community energy with the UK Government’s Local Power Plan and The Scottish Government’s upcoming Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan.

The Scottish Community Coalition on Energy has outlined seven calls to action, including:

- Setting a target for 100% community-owned energy

- Reviewing opportunities from repowering

- Establishing a national community wealth fund to ensure the wealth from Scotland’s natural resources benefits local communities.

More: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-14296

Energy learning network: https://communityenergyscotland.org.uk/projects/energy-learning-network/

* A Bill is a proposed Act of the Scottish Parliament. A Bill that is introduced in the Scottish Parliament is scrutinised and debated by MSPs.

Last week, CES had the amazing opportunity to visit Queens Quay in Clydebank! We were thrilled to see first hand how the two 2.6MW ammonia water source heat pumps operate, utilising latent heat from the Clyde River to heat hot water that is then distributed via a district heating network. Meeting with community members was a highlight, and we're excited to see this green energy powering local homes, businesses, and public buildings in Clydebank! Many thanks to Dave Pearson from Star Refrigeration for the tour.

With just 2 days to go, we are excited to announce our panel for the Solar PV Q&A at the conference.

We have 3 brilliant speakers

- Drew Murphy from Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative and The Scottish Government

- Scott Watson from Carbon Neutral Islands Carbon Neutral Islands - Cumbrae

- Mark Stewart from our headline sponsor SP Energy Networks

Many thanks to SP Energy Networks and Younity for sponsoring the conference.

Don't want to miss out? Ticket waitlist: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-energy-scotland-members-conference-2024-tickets-943362511667

The Guardian recently featured an inspiring initiative taking root in the Western Isles. On August 31, the newspaper highlighted a project aiming to plant over a million native trees on crofts across the islands by 2030. Supported by Point and Sandwick Trust and The Woodland Trust , more than 200 small woodlands are already flourishing, with around 211,000 trees planted on 245 crofts.

These new woodlands, some with up to 1,500 trees grown from local seeds, include species like alder, hazel, birch, rowan, Scots pine, blackthorn, sycamore, and various willows. The project's success has even led to the creation of three new tree nurseries on the islands.

Led by individual crofters and guided by experts like Viv Halcrow, the initiative involves collaboration with The Woodland Trust, the Scottish Crofting Federation, and Scottish Forestry. The scheme is open to all crofters in the Outer Hebrides, and over 800 crofters, schools, and community groups have already shown interest.

This project is a fantastic example of how community-driven efforts can enhance local well-being and sustainability.

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/aug/31/profits-from-community-windfarm-to-fund-a-million-native-trees-in-hebride

Profits from community windfarm to fund a million native trees in Hebrides About 211,000 saplings already planted under plan to reestablish woodland on Western Isles crofts

🚨 Conference Panel Announcement! 🚨

At our sold-out conference, we will host a panel on "Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement," featuring speakers from Younity , CEMVO, Infrasisters, CoDeL, and 2050 Climate Group. The panel will offer valuable insights, with plenty of chances to ask questions and join the discussion.

Looking forward to seeing you there! 🌍

Missed out on tickets? Register for the waitlist here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-energy-scotland-members-conference-2024-tickets-943362511667

Many thanks to our headline sponsor SP Energy Networks and supporting sponsor Younity

The EV Infrastructure and Energy Summit is a 2-day conference held in London annually in order to bring together policy makers, OEMs, user groups, transport operators and support organisations. The focus of the 2-days is to share examples of, and how to progress, all aspects of electrification.

CES' Peter Long will be joining a panel on 'Community Energy Solutions for EV Charging' and looking to sharing the current learnings from the community transport developments in CES' Innovate UK funded Rural Energy Hubs project based in Orkney and Shetland.

Follow the link below to purchase tickets to join. You can also reach out to CES at [email protected], if you have experience of the barriers and opportunities in Community Transport you would like Peter to share on the panel.

👉 https://evinfrastructureenergy.solarenergyevents.com/tickets