0 ClimateXChange is Scotland’s Centre of Expertise on Climate Change, supporting the Scottish Government’s policy development on climate change mitigation, adaptation and the transition to a low carbon economy. The centre delivers objective, independent, integrated and authoritative evidence in response to clearly specified policy questions. www.climatexchange.org.uk Supporting Community Investment in Commercial Renewable Energy Schemes Final Report Claire Haggett, Mhairi Aitken, David Rudolph, Bregje van Veelen, University of Edinburgh Jelte Harnmeijer, Scene Consulting and James Hutton Institute Marianna Markantoni, Scotland’s Rural College Executive Summary A review of community investment in commercial renewable energy schemes was commissioned by the Scottish Government Onshore Renewables and Community Energy Team. This report presents an analysis of the factors which support and limit the ability of communities to invest in commercial renewable energy schemes, and makes recommendations for action based on domestic and international evidence. It concludes that there is significant potential for increased community investment in commercial energy schemes, given the appropriate support, funding and advice. Current context In Scotland, there are currently 12 operational commercial renewable energy projects that have seen some form of community investment 1 . Taken together, these projects account for just over 21 MW of current operational Scottish renewables capacity. This limited experience was reflected in survey results, with only a quarter of respondents reporting any substantial experience. There is however a real interest in developing community investment opportunities. Key Findings Community investment in commercial energy projects has the potential for far-reaching and positive impacts. This research has demonstrated that there is much interest in, and enthusiasm for, increasing community investment in commercial energy projects in Scotland. However, it has also highlighted a lack of experience in this area and considerable uncertainty or hesitancy. Indeed, a significant issue that arose throughout this project was the difficulty of accessing the requisite finance, which was often cited as a key reason why community investment does not move forward. Key recommendations for action are made, which include: 1 Energy Archipelago Database, May 2014. The total number is 13 if Housing Associations are counted as communities.