The number of community-owner renewables projects has shot up in Scotland between 2011 and 2017.
New data released yesterday from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre has reported a dramatic 62% increase in wind, solar, hydro, heat pump and biomass developments.
Since 2011, 175 additional communities have benefited taking the number from 281 to a recorded 456 in 2017.
The Scottish Government pointed to initiatives such as the Local Energy Challenge Fund and the new Community Empowerment Act.
SNP MSP Gillian Martin, who sits on Holyrood’s economy committee, said: “The rapid increase in community-owned green energy projects can not only help communities cut down on their carbon footprint, but it will also save them money – providing them with the energy they need now and in the future as the technology progresses further.
“And as the planet continues to warm and the devastating impact of climate change hits communities across the globe, the need for these small, community-based projects becomes ever more important as we seek a sustainable future.”
Last month, the UK Government brought communities such as Orkney and Shetland in from the cold with a support package for remote island and offshore wind energy worth nearly £600 million.
The new Contracts for Difference (CfD) package, will allow smaller and remote island developments to bid for contracts able to power up to four million homes, announced by minister for energy and clean growth, Claire Perry.
The clean electricity auctions are to be held in 2019 and every two years from then on, with a support package up to £557m available.
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