Communities tae Shape Future o Renewable Energy Benefits in Scotland

The Scottish Government is cryin for community input on hou tae enhance benefits fae renewable energy developments. This initiative sikks tae ensure that local groups receive meaningfu advantages fae projects that harness clean energy.

Community benefits, whit are currently voluntary, can tak various forms. They micht include financial contributions tae local initiatives, in-kind support for community projects, or site-specific advantages like reduced energy bills or affordable hoosin. Ower the past year, mair than £30 million has bin awarded in community benefits ower Scotland, a notable increase fae £25 million in 2023. Wi anticipated investments in clean energy raxin £40 billion ower the neist decade, the potential for local communities tae gain further benefits is significant.

Actin Energy Secretary Gillian Martin emphasised the importance o involvin communities in the transition tae renewable energy. “Scotland is set tae become a global renewables pouerhoose,” she stated. “It is vital that communities share in the economic an social benefits created as we develop wir renewable energy resoorces.” Martin encouraged aw interested parties tae pairticipate in the consultation, aimin tae ensure that community benefit schemes deliver lastin impacts an support local growth.

Scottish Renewables Chief Executive Claire Mack echoed this sentiment, pyntin oot the need for sustainable benefits as the clean energy transition accelerates. “Deliverin wir pipeline o projects will provide a significant boost for the economy throu heich-value jobs an supply chain growth,” she noted. Mack expressed a commitment tae ensurin that community benefits continue tae support local needs.

Zoë Holliday fae the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy praised the Scottish Government’s efforts tae update the Good Practice Principles for community benefits. She urged for ambitious improvements tae reflect current technologies an contexts, ensurin a fair deal for communities durin the energy transition.

The consultation represents a vital opportunity for communities tae vyce their needs an expectations regairdin renewable energy projects. The Scottish Government encourages aw stakehauders tae engage in this process, helpin tae shape a future whaur local communities thrive alangside the growth o renewable energy initiatives.