Administration and Management of the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES)

The Scottish Government (Energy Division) is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced service provider (Service Provider), to deliver the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) in Scotland. The main components of CARES are local energy ownership and shared ownership both of which are facilitated through a range of interventions summarised as follows: - CARES is designed to support the delivery of the Scottish Government’s targets: - Of 2 Gigawatts by 2030, and - For at least half of newly consented renewable energy projects to have an element of shared ownership. - Net zero emissions by 2045 - The Service Provider may be required to implement additional and or enhanced interventions to support decarbonisation and a more localised energy supply and demand in line with Scottish Government policy and priorities. — Bespoke advice and support to eligible applicants on a broad range of issues involved in owning a renewable energy project, or taking a share in a commercial scheme. — Administration and management of a range of grant and loan support schemes, from start-up grants through to post planning capital loans to help projects reach financial closure and/or reach investor readiness. — The promotion of CARES which is mainly facilitated through a dedicated website and annual conference. — Support for a local energy systems approach, understanding of how local energy systems are developed and operate, including integration of generation, storage, supply and demand modification technology. The Service Provider shall be responsible for reviewing the support currently in place to ensure it can continue to deliver the Scottish Government's ambitions and targets. The requirement also includes: — Loans — recovery of all existing loan repayments from current loan schemes, including those which have been closed or will no longer be available at the contract start date. — Grants — the need to ensure recipients comply with the terms and conditions of issue. — Administration and management including the processing, assessment and decision-making of applications received to the various funding programmes. — Support on complex financial matters associated with investing in a renewable energy and or low carbon project including the refinancing of operational projects. The period of contract is from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2025.