Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has created a new programme for community-led renewable energy projects, the Communities Renewable Energy Support Programme (CRESP). Over recent years HIE has provided significant funding to communities developing wind and hydro projects and this support has enabled 18 communities to secure planning consent for over 33MW of generation. This new programme aims to build on this success, focusing on projects over 1MW.

CRESP is open to any non-profit distributing community organisation based in the Highlands and Islands and can provide funding for technical support to communities developing revenue-generating projects of over 1MW.

There is a growing awareness of rising energy costs, the impacts of climate change and security of energy supply amongst communities in Scotland.  With this awareness, communities are growing increasingly keen to find ways in which they can develop and manage their own renewable energy projects, bringing long-term benefits to their local community and providing a sustainable future for all who live there. It is envisaged that CRESP will encourage communities to use local renewable resources to create a sustainable revenue for future investment in their own community.

Andrew Anderson, HIE's head of community assets, said: "Renewable energy projects in rural communities across the Highlands and Islands will be able to access this programme for assistance. As well as providing green electricity for households and businesses, renewable energy can also become an income generator for communities as is already happening in places such as Gigha and Westray. HIE, in partnership with Community Energy Scotland is delighted to be able to offer this programme and look forward to seeing the benefits it provides."

HIE has entered into a contract with Community Energy Scotland, a Dingwall-based charity to deliver CRESP. Communities interested in applying for CRESP funding should contact their local Community Energy Scotland Officer. Contact details are available on the website www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk or phone 01349 860 120.