Abstract
Local and community ownership of renewable energy generation, e.g. grid connected wind turbines, can bring widespread benefits to the local community and economy. Ownership may range from 100% of small projects to minor participation in larger schemes, but the knowledge and experience of local participation is a significant factor. Barriers that have in the past hindered local and community participation have been identified as fair and easy access to information, specialist knowledge, markets and finance. This paper details major advances in community RE projects in the UK over the past two years that have addressed and overcome these barriers. These include the development of a wholly community-led, community-owned wind turbine project in Mid-Wales and the establishment of a Renewable Energy Investment Club to facilitate community investment.
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