Clean Energy Must Now Build More Than Power—It Must Build Community

Why Community Investment Is Becoming Essential for Renewable Energy Projects

As the UK accelerates its transition to cleaner energy sources, large-scale renewable projects—such as and wind turbines—are increasingly facing local opposition. Concerns often centre around visual impact, land use, and perceived lack of direct benefit to host communities. To address these challenges and foster greater public support, the government is considering a new mandate: requiring all clean energy developers building projects over 5 megawatts (MW) to invest in local initiatives. These could include funding for community centres, sports facilities, apprenticeships, and improved transport links.

This policy aims to ensure that communities directly affected by renewable energy infrastructure see tangible benefits, not just national or corporate gains. For developers and installers like Atlantic Renewables, this represents a significant shift in how projects are planned and delivered, with community engagement becoming a core part of the process.

How Will the New Mandate Affect Solar and Renewable Energy Developers?

If implemented, the proposed mandate will require developers of solar, wind, and other renewable projects above the 5MW threshold to allocate a portion of their budget to local community initiatives. This could mean:

• Direct funding for local amenities such as sports pitches, community halls, or youth clubs.
• Support for local apprenticeships and training programmes, helping residents gain skills for the green economy.
• Investment in transport infrastructure to improve connectivity for rural or underserved areas.

For companies like Atlantic Renewables, this will necessitate early and meaningful engagement with local councils and residents to identify priority projects. It also means factoring community contributions into project costs and timelines, potentially making local partnerships a competitive differentiator.

What Are the Potential Benefits for Communities Hosting Renewable Projects?

Communities hosting large-scale solar or wind projects stand to gain more than just cleaner air. Under the proposed policy, they could receive:

• Enhanced public facilities funded by developer contributions, improving quality of life and social cohesion.
• New employment and training opportunities through apprenticeships and local hiring initiatives.
• Improved transport links that benefit not just project logistics but the wider community.

A recent study by the UK Energy Research Centre found that community benefit funds from renewable projects have already delivered over £200 million in local investments since 1990, supporting everything from playgrounds to broadband upgrades. Mandating such contributions could multiply these benefits and help overcome “NIMBY” (Not In My Back Yard) resistance.

How Will the 5MW Threshold Impact the Solar Industry?

The 5MW threshold is significant, as it captures most commercial-scale solar farms and wind installations while excluding the smallest rooftop or microgeneration projects. For context, a 5MW solar PV system can power around 1,500 homes annually, making these projects highly visible and impactful at the local level.

For solar installers like Atlantic Renewables, this means that most new Commercial projects will need to include a community investment component. This could influence project siting, design, and budgeting, but also create new opportunities for collaboration with local authorities and residents.

What Are the Challenges and Criticisms of Mandatory Community Benefits?

While the proposed mandate is designed to increase local support, it does raise several challenges:

• Increased costs for developers, which could affect project viability, especially in areas with tight margins.
• Potential delays if negotiations over community benefits become protracted or contentious.
• Risk of “box-ticking”, where contributions are made but fail to address genuine local needs.

Critics argue that a one-size-fits-all approach may not suit every community, and that flexibility and local input are essential. However, evidence from Scotland—where community benefit payments are already standard for wind projects—suggests that well-designed schemes can deliver real value and improve public perception.

What Do Industry Experts and Community Leaders Say?

Industry groups have broadly welcomed the focus on community engagement, noting that local support is crucial for the rapid rollout of renewables needed to meet net-zero targets. The Solar Trade Association has highlighted that community benefit funds can “unlock goodwill and accelerate planning approvals,” while local councils often see such investments as a way to address underfunded services.

Community leaders, meanwhile, stress the importance of transparency and meaningful consultation. “It’s not just about the money—it’s about being listened to and having a say in how our area develops,” said one parish council chair in a recent BBC interview.

What Should Developers and Communities Do to Prepare?

With the government consultation expected soon, both Developers and communities should start preparing for the likely changes:

• Developers should review project pipelines and engage early with local stakeholders to identify priority needs.
• Communities can organise to articulate their priorities and ensure their voices are heard in consultations.
• Installers like Atlantic Renewables can position themselves as trusted partners by offering expertise in community engagement and benefit delivery.

If you’re considering a new solar PV or battery storage project, our team at Atlantic Renewables can guide you through the evolving regulatory landscape and help maximise community and commercial benefits. Contact our engineers today for tailored advice.

Get in Touch

If you are looking to install a solar PV system, upgrade your battery storage, or need guidance on navigating new community investment requirements, please get in touch with Atlantic Renewables. Our team of experts is ready to help you deliver a project that benefits both your business and your community. Call us on 0161 207 4044 and start making a positive impact with your renewable energy investment today!

Thinking about a solar project over 5MW? Atlantic Renewables can help you meet new community investment requirements and deliver real value to your local area. Contact our engineers now for expert support.