Community energy schemes ‘in danger’, Scotland and Wales warn

The lack of clarity from the UK government on support for renewable energy could cause community energy projects to stall, the Scottish and Welsh governments have warned.

In a joint letter to energy secretary Amber Rudd, the two devolved governments have called for urgent clarity over support for the development of community capacity and community benefit schemes.

The letter, signed by Scottish energy minister Fergus Ewing and Welsh natural resources minister Carl Sargeant, also underlined that energy is a “key priority” for both governments

Communities that have invested heavily in a cleaner energy future are “deserving of the consideration” of how community and local energy can be supported, they argued.

The letter follows the UK government’s recent decision to close the Renewables Obligation early. Many projects, both private and community-owned, remain unclear on what impact this announcement will have for their developments.

“Local ownership gives communities more control over their own energy and will help us tackle challenges like grid constraints and fuel poverty – while at the same time sparking economic revival,” said Ewing.

“There are many communities who have invested significant amounts of money in renewables schemes and have now found the goal posts have been moved, putting crucial investment and jobs at risk.”

The letter emphasised that both governments believe the future direction for energy is one of local generation and supply, based on renewable sources, and smart storage and local grid management, with “significant local benefit”.

“The current proposals will significantly damage the prospects for this future if the local ownership and benefits of projects are not considered within the support regime,” they said.