The UK government has launched a consultation that includes proposing new types of community benefits that developers of onshore wind farms can offer.
New and improved reward schemes, including the potential of lower bills, could be offered by developers to communities in England who want to support onshore wind farms in their area, under proposals announced by London.
The proposals build on benefits already offered by developers to areas that agree to have onshore wind farms.
These include holding a stake in a turbine, which gives them the potential to receive profits from the site’s operation, or funding for new community facilities, such as charging points for electric cars or new sports and recreation facilities.
The exact package of schemes and benefits would be agreed between developers and communities on a case-by-case basis.
Whitehall is also proposing best practice principles of engagement are embedded into planning guidance for local authorities and developers to ensure the views of the community are heard and addressed.
Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart said: “Onshore wind is a vital part of our plans to deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more secure homegrown energy.
“It is right that new developments have the support of host communities, and that local people benefit directly from it, such as through either a discount on their energy bills or other significant community benefits.
“Our proposals will ensure developers and local residents can work together more efficiently to maximise community benefits for supportive communities while delivering the clean and secure energy the country needs.”
Community benefits can have a lasting positive impact on local residents. For example, when building its Tirgwynt Wind farm in Wales, developer Belltown Power engaged with the local community and identified the need to support educational facilities in the area.
The company provided £2.5m – with match funding from the local council – to build a new school building, saving it from closure.
The wind farm now hosts an annual visit for local school children.
RenewableUK will update its existing Community Benefits Protocol for England to account for emerging and innovative types of community benefit packages, such as local energy bill discounts and other new and improved community rewards.
RenewableUK’s head of onshore wind James Robottom said: “Building strong relationships with local communities as early as possible is the best way to establish successful partnerships which last for decades.
“Alongside much-needed planning reforms, this consultation provides an opportunity to increase the amount of cheap clean power we can generate for consumers as well as strengthening our nation’s energy security.”