Construction and renewables supply chains across Scotland are weighing the implications of Scottish Government proposals to refresh the Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments, published on 18 February.

The move could influence how future onshore wind schemes structure voluntary community funding and wider socio-economic commitments, shaping expectations for contractors, local supply chains and project delivery across the country.

Responding on behalf of the industry, Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: "Scotland's onshore wind sector has been committed to the delivery of the good practice principles for community benefit since 2014. This was reiterated in the 2019 updated principles and again in 2023 through the Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal, in partnership with the Scottish Government.

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"Despite community benefit commitments being voluntary and now costing onshore wind developers twice as much as they did in 2014, the sector has maintained exceptionally high compliance since 2019. These funds deliver positive outcomes and remain unmatched by any other sector of the economy.

"It is right that the Scottish Government ensures a lasting legacy is secured from our renewable energy assets. That is evident across job creation, supply chain growth and our integral role in providing energy security for the country.

"However, amidst an increasingly difficult cost environment that undermines Scotland's competitiveness, the Scottish and UK governments must protect the viability of projects. Failing to do so at this point will undermine our overall ability to secure the societal gains of our energy transition.

"On behalf of the industry, Scottish Renewables has repeatedly brought together the robust economic analysis to ensure that any future changes to community benefits are properly informed, reflect the economics of our industry and build on the benefits already being delivered to communities.

"We will continue to engage closely with government to develop a framework that gives confidence to both communities and the sector's capability to deliver viable, investable and competitive projects."

The Scottish Government's proposals are available online, and Scottish Renewables has published its consultation response and supporting data pack to inform the next phase of policy development.