Coastal and rural communities in the UK will receive financial support as part of the government’s new Plan for Change to make Great Britain a clean energy superpower.
The proposals necessitate community benefits for those residing near renewable energy sites, with a legal mandate for developers to contribute to local community benefit funds.
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Under the Plan for Change, these funds will enhance local amenities, transportation, and apprenticeship opportunities. Potential projects include new sports facilities, employment initiatives for youth, and improved infrastructure in areas pivotal to hosting clean energy projects.
These investments are designed to reduce energy bills and enhance energy security with domestically controlled power.
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “If you live near an offshore wind or solar farm, your local community should benefit from supporting this nationally critical mission.
“The Prime Minister’s mission to become a clean energy superpower is creating good, well-paid jobs in these areas, building the infrastructure we need to get energy bills down for working people. Our Plan for Change will revitalise Britain’s coastal and rural communities, creating community wealth, better facilities and energy security for the country.”
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By GlobalDataThe community investment will be directed by local families, with the possibility of shared ownership in renewable energy infrastructure, allowing profits to be reinvested into the community.
These measures are an extension of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which offers bill discounts to households near new or upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure.
The UK Government is seeking feedback on which energy infrastructure types should contribute to the community benefit funds, including renewable and low-carbon electricity generation and energy storage.
Additionally, the UK forged a sustainable industrial alliance with Norway earlier this month to strengthen prospects in the clean energy sector and drive economic expansion.
