How to engage communities to grow renewables

By Rachel Anderson, Global Head of Corporate & Government Affairs at RES

Despite rapid advancement and development, renewables technologies can remain relatively novel to many and can even seem unfamiliar for communities that live in and around structures such as wind and solar farms.

For some individuals and communities, hearing that a renewable energy project may be built in their area can be overwhelming. If questions remain unanswered, it is easy to understand that a degree of opposition may develop.

Early in my career, I worked on the development side of renewables, engaging closely with communities to bring projects to life. That experience taught me that change often brings an instinct for caution.

While curiosity drives us forward, many people need their questions answered before they feel confident, building trust through understanding along the way.

We have seen in years past that when communities understand the nature of what is happening, why it is necessary, and how it may shape their lives and local area, they are more receptive and open to engagement. This understanding has shaped the way the renewable energy industry has approached engagement with communities – placing transparency at the heart of communication.

In Scotland, the UK and Australia, we have seen governments and industry develop best practice guidelines for community engagement across the energy sector, with other regions following suit. These practices are ensuring that communities are considered as a vital stakeholder at all stages of planning and development.

As we move through 2025, governments and industries are coming to terms with stagnating climate agendas, extreme weather events, geopolitical uncertainties and a sense of apathy amongst energy consumers.

It seems a reorientation may be necessary to both support governments and industry determine what good looks like, and to help members of communities understand, engage and ultimately benefit from renewable energy projects.

What needs to change in 2025?

Communities have great ambitions. They live and breathe their local areas and have the greatest understanding of what can bring true value to their regions.

Most importantly, we need to listen and learn from residents and communities about what is best for them. It is vital that communities are deeply embedded into all stages of planning and development, and that renewable energy companies establish tailored programmes of engagement.

At RES, for example, we have heard from local residents in the regions where we operate that what matters most is receiving direct, tangible discounts on electricity, particularly with rising costs all around.

Securing an enduring source of power for the region, and receiving discounts on that power, is seen as extremely beneficial.

Over a decade ago, RES developed the Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS) in response to feedback from communities near our projects. LEDS provides properties closest to participating wind and solar farms with an annual discount on their electricity bill, regardless of their energy supplier. This includes private residences, local businesses, and public buildings like schools, libraries, and community centres.

Since its launch, LEDS has delivered more than 37,000 individual payments, totalling over £7 million ($8.84 million), to help residents save money on what matters most to them. Thousands of homes and businesses are now benefiting from the scheme each year.

If all new onshore wind and solar projects in the UK adopted LEDS by 2030, the scheme could support around 1.1 million households (based on 5K/MW and £200 ($253)/household), with £225 million ($284 million) value in payments provided per year.

By listening to community needs, we’ve learnt that providing direct and tangible benefits is one of the most meaningful ways to encourage local acceptance of renewable energy projects.

LEDS embodies our commitment to giving back and ensuring the communities hosting our projects see tangible benefits, especially during times of rising energy costs.

Our own survey data highlights a strong link between community benefits and public support for wind farms. In rural areas, 61% of respondents initially supported a wind farm within a mile of their home. When the project included community ownership with dividend payments, support rose to 69%.

However, the most significant shift came with the offer of discounted electricity— such as LEDS – when support jumped to 74%, with 40% strongly in favour. Opposition dropped to just 25%, underscoring that direct financial benefits, especially lower energy bills, are a powerful driver of local support.

Of course, as our operating environment continues to change, so too do the needs of our communities.

There is no one size fits all approach.

As renewable energy technologies continue to be deployed, communities must feel empowered to communicate their needs. Relationships developed between communities and renewable energy companies must be built and nourished for the long-term, and examples of effective engagement must be shared across borders.

An important part of being human, I have learnt, is that there is great power in learning from one another.

This article was first published in Power Engineering International in February 2025, featuring Rachel Anderson as a guest contributor.