Good practice principles for renewable energy developments consultation: analysis of responses

Appendix 2: External Workshop Summary

Please find below a brief summary of the key points raised by stakeholders during the external workshops, which were held across Scotland throughout January 2019:

Scottish Government Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments

• There was a view amongst certain groups that the GPPs should be mandatory, rather than voluntary.

• The analysis of this consultation highlights similar beliefs raised at the workshops: with specific groups believing the value per MW figure is not achievable in the current environment, and the need to recognise the wider benefits which renewable energy projects bring to communities.

• However, the general feedback received from stakeholders across all groups was positive with regards to the shift towards a more flexible approach to community benefit packages.

• The general consensus between different stakeholder groups was that community action plans (1.4) could be beneficial – however, it was important to recognise that communities may need additional support to create/ manage such plans.

• Further feedback included the inclusion of case studies within the GPPs (both positive and negative – i.e. where lessons could be learnt) and the need for further guidance during the community identification process.

Scottish Government Good Practice Principles for Shared Ownership of Onshore Renewable Energy Developments

• Similar to the above – there was a view amongst similar groups that the GPPs should become mandatory, as opposed to voluntary.

• The need to ensure greater understanding of risks for all parties involved in the shared ownership process was also stressed.

• As highlighted at 2.3 within this document, concerns were raised regarding the indicative timescales provided within the shared ownership Typical Shared Ownership Journey.

• As per the findings of the consultation analysis (2.4), the general agreement amongst stakeholders was for bi-annual reviews of the GPPs.

• Finally, it was noted that community groups in particular would prefer to have greater insight of project finances from the outset – however it was acknowledged that this may not always be feasible due to a number of issues.

Scottish Government Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Offshore Renewable Energy Developments

• Very little feedback was received – however, there was a belief that the GPPs need to be revised to reflect current conditions and more engagement is required with stakeholders to do so.