Communities tae Shape Future o Renewable Energy Benefits in Scotland

E Scottish Government is caain for community input on foo tae enhance benefits fae renewable energy developments. Iss initiative sikks tae ensure aat local groups receive meaningfu advantages fae projects aat harness clean energy.

Community benefits, fit 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 e 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 e neist decade, e potential for local communities tae gain further benefits is significant.

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

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

Zoë Holliday fae the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy praised e 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 e energy transition.

E consultation represents a vital opportunity for communities tae vyce their needs an expectations regairdin renewable energy projects. E Scottish Government encourages aa stakehaaders tae engage in iss process, helpin tae shape a future far local communities thrive alangside the growth o renewable energy initiatives.