The city is powering ahead with net zero - Foysol Choudhury
Edinburgh’s commitment to reach net zero by 2030 was and remains one of the boldest climate commitments of any UK city, putting Scotland’s capital 15 years ahead of the national target of 2045.
With just five years remaining, however, questions are increasingly being raised about whether this ambitious goal can still be achieved.
Yet across the city, some of the most effective progress is already taking place at community level. The Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative (ECSC) illustrates this approach in practice. Over the past decade, it has installed solar panels on schools, leisure centres and council buildings across the city, generating more than 11 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity, preventing over 2000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and, in the past year alone, producing enough power to meet the annual needs of more than 600 homes.
Since its launch, the scheme is estimated to have saved the council more than £500,000 in energy costs, helping to redirect funds to essential local services. By lowering energy bills for schools, leisure centres and council services, community energy demonstrates how decarbonisation can go hand in hand with easing financial strain across public services.
Earlier this month, the UK Government announced that Great British Energy would invest £5.5 million into 23 new community-owned projects in Scotland. This is a welcome investment which will support a fair transition for workers currently employed in the oil and gas sector, also having the potential to generate secure employment and skills pathways for communities that have historically faced barriers to access, particularly low-income and Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. Crucially, it helps ensure that the economic benefits of the green transition are distributed more equitably.
As Edinburgh enters the final stretch towards its net-zero target, the importance of community energy has never been clearer. These projects are a proven and scalable climate solution, forming a vital part of the city’s adaptation and mitigation efforts while strengthening social and economic resilience.
To meet these goals, community energy initiatives must be properly funded and supported. They not only cut emissions but also create local opportunities, keep energy benefits within communities, and help ensure a fairer transition.
If Scotland is serious about meeting its climate commitments, the Scottish Government must take bold actions - removing barriers, investing in infrastructure, and backing the communities already demonstrating what a just transition looks like.
I look forward to an Edinburgh that generates and provides clean, affordable, and green energy for everyone.
Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian Region