Scottish Renewables has called on the Scottish Government to adopt a more flexible and targeted approach to community benefits from renewable energy developments, aiming to ensure the long-term impact of such initiatives while safeguarding project viability.
In its response to a government consultation on updating guidance and best practices for community benefits, the industry body stressed the need for policies that reflect the diverse economic conditions and technological demands of clean energy projects.
“Scotland’s renewable energy industry is proud of its positive record to date on local community benefit funding which is delivered on an unrivalled scale,” said Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables. “We want to find innovative ways to build on this, but that is only possible if the projects expected to provide transformational funds are economically viable.”
Since 1990, developers in Scotland have contributed over £200 million in community benefits, including more than £30 million in the past year, predominantly from onshore wind. Future projections suggest annual contributions from onshore wind could rise to nearly £90 million by 2033. New transmission infrastructure in the north of Scotland is expected to deliver an additional £100 million in community benefits.
Scottish Renewables argues that such investments not only support local services and initiatives but also stimulate economic growth. Citing an analysis of two Highland wind farms, the group noted that every £1 of community benefit generated approximately £4.18 in local economic value.
Further estimates suggest the local supply chain linked to offshore wind developments could contribute up to £34 billion to the Scottish economy, if upcoming projects proceed as planned.
Among the recommendations made by Scottish Renewables are maintaining existing Good Practice Principles for onshore wind farms—set at £5,000 per megawatt of installed capacity annually—and introducing similar standards for solar farms above 5MW at £400 per megawatt annually for the project’s lifetime.
The group also advocated for bespoke community benefit frameworks for offshore wind, co-designed with industry, as well as clearer guidance on capacity building and streamlined reporting requirements for local communities.
“We strongly encourage the Scottish Government to take the holistic view that energy policy requires in its approach to community benefits,” Mack added. “Local needs vary as do the economic realities of individual technologies, so tailored guidance is essential for keeping projects viable and communities empowered.
