Commenting on the Government’s announcement of a new consultation on community benefits across the energy sector, RenewableUK’s Head of Policy James Robottom said:
“Renewable energy developers have a long history of providing a wide range of benefits for local communities, such as community benefit funds which support local initiatives, electricity discounts, employment initiatives and environmental projects. For example, the onshore wind industry currently invests about £75 million a year in community benefit fund schemes throughout the UK.

“We welcome the Government’s consultation and will engage with it to ensure that the benefits received by local communities hosting energy infrastructure are proportionate and continue to meet their needs. Communities must remain at the heart of the decision-making process to determine what form these benefits should take. Flexibility is vital so that communities genuinely have the opportunity to shape these schemes to the priorities of their local area, which can vary widely from place to place. Renewable energy developers are good neighbours and remain committed to providing benefits at an appropriate level to enable local communities to thrive all over the country”.
 
More information on community benefits provided by the renewable energy industry is available here.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: RenewableUK