It’s vital that Scotland’s communities benefit from our renewable energy resources. So we want to hear from you on how we can strengthen the Scottish Government’s Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments.
‘Community benefits’ are voluntary contributions given by energy developers to local communities. This is usually provided as yearly funds for the community to manage, but can also include direct support for local projects such as apprenticeship programmes or building affordable housing.
For over 10 years, our onshore Good Practice Principles have set clear standards and guidance for developers on how community benefits should be provided. They also support communities to engage with developers and manage funds.
What we're doing now
We’re now refreshing these Good Practice Principles so that they’re fit for the future. Our new Working Paper sets out proposals to achieve this, including:
Increasing the recommended annual fund level to £6,000 per Megawatt (MW) of onshore wind – up from £5,000 per MW in 2019 – along with new recommended levels for solar power (£700-£1000 per MW per year) and battery energy storage (£150 per MW per year)
Improvements to the guidance and support available to communities, so that they can make the most of community benefit funds
And a pilot of a new Community Benefit Peer Forum, so that communities can work together, share learning, and grow their expertise
To shape these proposals, we’re seeking your views on how the Good Practice Principles can work best for the people of Scotland. This will then inform the final updated Good Practice Principles.
Our ask of you
With your input, we can make sure the final updated Good Practice Principles support clear, lasting community benefits for years to come.
Please think about the questions below and add your ideas and comments at the bottom of the page:
What benefits from nearby renewable and energy storage developments would you like to see in your community?
How should the Good Practice Principles encourage developers to provide meaningful, lasting benefits for communities?
What should be the recommended fund level that developers should provide to communities?
What guidance and support do communities need to be able to make the most of community benefit funds?
We also plan to post here the key points raised at each of the regional discussion events we’re holding on the Good Practice Principles, so that you can add your further comments and ideas about your local area too.
The challenge will be open for responses until 25 March 2026.
What happens after I post?
Ideas and comments will be published as soon as you've posted. We’re moderating daily during the week from 9am to 5pm and will remove any comments or ideas which are off-topic or don’t meet our moderation policy.
Posts that duplicate existing ideas will be locked to keep the conversation in one place.
Please note that we can’t always reply to posts or answer questions.