The UK government has launched a consultation proposing new types of community benefits that developers of onshore wind farms can offer to communities in England who want to support wind farms in their area. The proposals build on benefits already offered by developers, such as holding a stake in a turbine or funding for new community facilities. Under the new proposals, developers could offer lower energy bills as a reward for supporting wind farms, along with other community benefits. The exact package of schemes and benefits would be agreed between developers and communities on a case-by-case basis.
The proposals also suggest that best practice principles of engagement be embedded into planning guidance for local authorities and developers to ensure the views of the community are heard and addressed. RenewableUK, a trade association for renewable energy in the UK, will update its existing Community Benefits Protocol for England to account for emerging and innovative types of community benefit packages.
Onshore wind is a vital part of the UK government's plans to deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more secure homegrown energy. Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart said that it is right that new developments have the support of host communities and that local people benefit directly from it. Community benefits can have a lasting positive impact on local residents. For example, when developer Belltown Power built the Tirgwynt Wind farm in Wales, it engaged with the local community and identified the need to support educational facilities in the area. The company provided £2.5m to build a new school building, saving it from closure.
RenewableUK's head of onshore wind, James Robottom, said that building strong relationships with local communities is the best way to establish successful partnerships which last for decades. The consultation provides an opportunity to increase the amount of cheap clean power generated for consumers as well as strengthening the UK's energy security.
