How does this project work?

What is the aim?

Future Energy Landscapes is about giving communities the opportunity to think about whether they would want a renewables project in their area, that could be owned by, and benefit, local people. Also to explore in which areas a renewable technology might be taken forward.

Why does this matter?

In typical private renewable developments, a site is chosen based on technical evidence only, with few real opportunities for communities to say what they think, and even fewer opportunities to inform which locations would even be considered for a development.

What about planning applications?

No planning proposals are submitted on this project. The process is about understanding if and what renewable energy the community has interest in. Any projects taken forward would have further community consultation and technical investigation as part of the planning process.

What next?

If the outcome of FEL is interest for a community energy project, then we will offer support in planning the next steps and seeking funding for this.

Project stages

Stage 1: First community workshop to explore renewable energy options from wind turbines and solar farms. Discuss the local landscape and possible benefits from community ownership.

Stage 2: Wider community conversations to find out what other people in the area think, including a first survey. Example: drop-in events, village fetes, library stalls, street pop-ups, webinar.

Stage 3: Second community workshop to explore examples of community ownership, discuss possible areas for local wind or solar projects, and review technical information about possible barriers that may occur.

Stage 4: Second survey to find out what people think about possible areas for community-owned wind and solar and if a community energy project is wanted in the area. Gain understanding of opportunities and concerns locally.

If there is interest from the community to continue...

Stage 5: Select a top areas to complete a detailed study on to understand what the technical considerations are, looking at things like site access, land type, grid connection, landownership, wind speed.

Stage 6: Third community workshop to review the detailed study and survey findings. Decide if there is interest in taking forward a community energy project. If yes, agree some next steps e.g. establishing a working group, identifying future funding.

Stage 7: Report published online summarising the findings from engagement in the local area.

Find out more about how the project is working in your area by clicking here.