Closing on 11 April 2025, don’t miss out on your chance to have your voice heard!

The Scottish Government’s ‘Community Benefits From Net Zero Energy Developments’ Consultation is part of a review of the Good Practice Principles for onshore and offshore renewable energy, which seeks to ensure that communities and developers get the best from community benefits.

Through this public consultation, the Scottish Government is seeking the views of all those with an interest in the social and economic benefits of renewable energy development for people and communities in Scotland. Specifically, it seeks views on community benefits from onshore technologies, such as onshore wind, solar, hydrogen and storage and community benefits from offshore technologies, such as offshore wind. Your views will help to build as broad a picture as possible of the potential opportunities – and limits – of community benefits from renewable energy.

To engage with the consultation, please visit the Scottish Government Consultation webpage (linked for your convenience).

What are ‘community benefits’?

Community benefits are voluntary add-ons which developers provide to the “community”, and which sit independently of the planning and consenting system. They provide an opportunity for communities to share in the benefits of the energy resource and can have lasting social and economic impacts. Community benefits schemes are a well-established, integral part of renewable energy developments in Scotland, fostering a positive relationship between renewable energy businesses and local communities. These schemes saw over £30 million offered by renewables developers in community benefits in the last 12 months.

The first Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Offshore Renewable Energy Developments were published in 2015. Since then, some projects in Scotland have created community benefit funds, however, the approach has not been wholly consistent across developments. In recognition of the evolving landscape, the Scottish Government are committed to reviewing and updating these Good Practice Principles. As part of this, there is also an opportunity to ensure renewables play a role in securing a just transition to net zero.

For further information, please read the consultation paper or refer to the additional resources signposted by Scottish Government: