At the outset, discussions with the renewable energy business should explore the package of community benefits opportunities being offered. Examples of what could be included in a package of benefits are:
- A recurring (annual) fund
- In-kind support, such as donations of equipment or staff volunteering on local projects
- Direct sponsorship of local groups, projects or events
- A one-off ‘compensatory payment’ relating to construction activity
- Capital works using heavy plant that is in the area as a result of construction activity, such as improvements to a vital community facility
- A new visitor centre, linked to the wind farm but supporting the local tourism industry too
- Improvements to, and affordable lease of, housing and business units
- Support for the community’s own renewable energy project, such as help with feasibility work or sharing a grid connection
- Strategic investments towards regional or area-wide services like higher education courses or apprenticeship schemes (for example linked to renewable energy or engineering) or countryside ranger services, and
- Local energy discount schemes.
Not all renewable energy businesses may be in a position to re-surface the local car parks, for example, but it is certainly worthwhile exploring the full range of possibilities at the outset.
While this toolkit is focussed on voluntary community benefits, there may also be the potential to engage the renewable energy business in a shared renewable energy project via a joint venture or co-operative scheme. Explore these options with the renewable energy business at an early stage. If they are considering offering this, contact the local CARES development officer for advice on the next steps.
