Community Benefits Protocol

Community benefits schemes are a well established, integral part of onshore wind energy development, and represent a positive relationship between developers and communities.

As an industry, we are committed to ensuring these benefits are realised within local communities that host wind farms.

A Ground Breaking Initiative

Onshore Wind - A Community Commitment

With the aim of formalising the industry’s approach, RenewableUK launched the ground breaking Community Benefits Protocol, an industry led and government backed initiative, which is the first of its kind. The Protocol was launched in February 2011 and backed by Rt Hon. Charles Hendry and a range of governmental and community stakeholders.

Under the Protocol, developers in England with qualifying projects commit to provide a minimum of £1,000 per MW of installed capacity, or equivalent benefits-in-kind, directly to host communities.

These funds can be used to finance anything the community deems appropriate and necessary for their areas, including community owned renewable energy projects, village halls, recreational facilities or equipment for local schools. Benefits under the Protocol are negotiated directly with host communities.