The Scottish Government’s Community Benefits Consultation is part of a review of the Good Practice Principles for onshore and offshore renewable energy
The intention is to help communities and developers get the best from community benefits.
Over the past 12 months, developers have committed to distributing more than £30 million in community benefits in Scotland, up from £25 million in 2023. This figure is expected to increase further, as investment in clean energy sectors is forecast to reach £40 billion over the next decade.
Have your say: One month to go
You have one month left to give the Scottish Government your views on improving how communities benefit from renewable energy developments. The Community Benefits Consultation closes on 11 April 2025.
This is your chance to influence developers and local areas by:
defining best practice when delivering community benefits
updating existing guidance for onshore and offshore energy developments.
Your feedback will help ensure the benefits are sustainable and meaningful and make the biggest positive impact on communities.
Key points
Guidelines could:
- Include engaging defined communities at the pre-consent stage. This is an essential part of bringing them along on the journey and makes for a better two-way relationship and mutual understanding
- Consider how funds are administered, including the disbursement of the funds and the monitoring and evaluation of impacts and outcomes. This can paint a picture for the project and also help Scotland tell its success stories
- Prioritise transparency, accountability and efficiency in how funds are allocated. Governance of funds, grants and impacts should have greater prominence than just guidelines for best practice
But it’s not all about the developers getting it right. No two communities are the same. The community and relevant councils need to plan ahead and work together to shape a plan that’s fit for them.
About community benefit schemes
Community benefit schemes are a well-established, integral part of renewable energy developments in Scotland. They help foster a positive relationship between renewable energy businesses and local communities. Visit the Local Energy Scotland projects overview to find out more about current schemes and to access resources.
Community benefits can take many forms, which ensures that local areas directly gain from the projects they host. Benefits can include:
- community funding: direct financial contributions to local initiatives, charities or community groups to support projects such as education, transport and public services
- job creation and training: investment in local employment opportunities, apprenticeships and skills development to ensure communities benefit from the growing renewables sector
- infrastructure improvements: enhancements to local roads, broadband and public facilities to improve overall quality of life
- environmental and energy initiatives: support for local carbon-reduction projects, such as energy-efficiency programmes, community-owned renewables or nature restoration
- educational programmes: partnerships with schools and universities to promote STEM education and raise awareness of clean-energy careers.
These benefits not only help strengthen communities but also create a sense of shared ownership in Scotland’s transition to a net-zero future.
How is the Community Benefits Consultation set up?
The consultation has two sections:
- Section 1: Offshore renewable energy developments
- Section 2: Onshore net zero energy developments.
With just one month left to contribute, now is the time for communities, businesses, and stakeholders to make their voices heard.
Have your say in shaping the future of Scotland’s renewable energy benefits by responding to the consultation before.