Onshore wind is giving more than just green power - it’s giving back

A new report released today (June 25) showcases how wind projects across the UK are transforming communities with meaningful benefit schemes. From funding local initiatives to driving real social change, this is the first UK-wide look at what ‘good’ community engagement really means.

Published by Scottish Renewables and RenewableUK, the report ‘Community Benefit in Action: Case Studies from the Onshore Wind Sector’ highlights just some of the standout examples of onshore wind in action; creating local jobs, supporting tourism, enhancing biodiversity and demonstrating what strong community engagement looks like in practice.

Given Scotland’s higher level of onshore wind deployment, most case studies focus on Scotland with additional examples from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Megan Amundson, Head of Onshore and Consenting at Scottish Renewables, said:

“This report shows how onshore wind goes beyond generating clean energy, it powers real change in communities. From creating local jobs and boosting tourism to supporting biodiversity and strong community engagement, it highlights what great practice looks like not just in Scotland but across the UK.

“Scotland’s renewable energy industry is proud of its record on community benefit funding, delivered at a scale unmatched anywhere else. We’re committed to building on that success through fresh, innovative approaches but this can only happen if the projects expected to deliver transformational support for communities are financially viable.

“As Scotland accelerates towards a cleaner energy future, it’s vital that we secure a lasting and strategic legacy for the nation. Delivering the current pipeline of onshore wind projects represents a major economic opportunity—bringing high-value jobs, supporting the supply chain and attracting significant inward investment across the country.

“Scottish Renewables will continue to work closely with the Scottish and UK governments to shape community benefit funding that drives progress for both communities and industry, building a brighter future together.”

Notes

• Read the report ‘Community Benefit in Action: Case Studies from the Onshore Wind Sector’, published by Scottish Renewables and Renewable UK