Presentations

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an investigation on the current state of community investments and shared value mechanisms as part of stakeholder engagement efforts in the wind energy sector in Europe. Community investments -among other initiatives- are supported as a mechanism to promote distributive justice in the deployment of renewable energy projects, i.e., a "just transition" aiming to achieve climate targets. First, the paper provides an overview of the main community investments and shared value mechanisms currently employed by the wind energy sector in Europe. Second, identifies current trends by comparing how these mechanisms are being used in different geographies and by main industry actors (benchmark). It includes a description of the regulatory mechanisms in place and cases of best practices adopted by the industry in these countries. Finally, the paper provides an analysis of the opportunities these practices might bring to the wind power sector. This investigation covers community investments and shared value initiatives in the wind sector in Croatia, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and the UK (England, Scotland, Wales). The results of this investigation contribute to the debate about community acceptance of renewable energy developments by reviewing existing best practices in the industry and benchmarking key industry players. This information is valuable for other industry players who are considering different routes to promote community acceptance of renewable energy projects.