Prioratising community energy and shared ownership models

The limits of voluntary community benefit payments have been widely discussed, including in previous posts here, which touch on the lack of transparency, accountability and community power. 

For the energy transition to be just and transformational, the current market organisation needs to be reimagined. Planning permission, grid connections, and bit competition should always prioratise projects of highest community benefits which would be community owned projects (community energy and shared ownership). If project developers do not commit to adequate community benefit schemes, they should be rejected.

Why the contribution is important

See the Manifesto recommendations from Scottish Community Coalition on Energy: https://communityenergy.scot/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SCCE-manifesto-recommendations-FINAL.pdf

by Castanietta on March 13, 2026 at 11:29AM

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Comments

  • Posted by Sarahm1 March 13, 2026 at 11:57

    Communities must come first and that means community ownership needs to be the first option in planning

  • Posted by busteramg55 March 13, 2026 at 16:27

    👍🏻

  • Posted by shonarosehall March 13, 2026 at 16:55

    Yes true community ownership should be prioritised, but NO to shared ownership as we have already seen examples of what these renewable energy companies offer and it is really a shared debt liability for up to 30 years or more, with no sight of any benefit for well over a decade.

  • Posted by Bonanza March 16, 2026 at 11:55

    Community energy schemes should always take priority over Developer schemes.

  • Posted by Flecala March 16, 2026 at 16:40

    A national fund should be established (Scottish Investment Bank or some such) to support communities in acquiring shares in renewable energy developments. The vast majority of local Comunity Councils cannot afford to participate in these developments and additionally do not have the capacity to contribute meaningfully. The government should provide training and/or the necessary guidance to help communities develop the necessary expertise and assist them to raise the capital required.

  • Posted by LoreineatBingera March 17, 2026 at 15:45

    There should be a recognised mechanism available to enable local communities to become involved in a shared community energy partnership. In particular where a community-led Local Place Plan has, as one of its priorities, such a scheme, the local Planning Authority should promote this to Developers as an incentive to consent.

    A Scottish Government Energy Fund should support such community energy partnerships through the percentage it takes from all renewable developments and their projected energy profit.
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