Is there a case for community-based equity participation in Scottish on-shore wind energy production? Gaps in evidence and research needs

This paper considers the potential rural development benefits of community ownership or co-ownership (or equity participation) of on-shore wind energy developments and argues for further research to assess the case for enhanced policy support for such ownership structures. Previous authors have argued that if communities are given a stake in renewables enterprises this will support the Scottish Government׳s community empowerment agenda, increase economic activity in rural Scotland and provide substantial benefits to rural communities. Others have argued that community ownership schemes may decrease community resistance to on-shore wind developments, and set beneficiary communities on a low-carbon development pathway through stimulating ‘energy citizenship’. However, empirical evidence to support all of these claims remains limited. Focussing on Scotland, where the growth of on-shore wind has been strong in recent years, the paper reviews the current policy environment and governance context before reviewing evidence in relation to the various arguments for community ownership or shared equity in the case of on-shore wind energy. It identifies several areas where further research is urgently required to guide policy makers, so as to ensure that both rural development objectives and renewable energy targets are met.