Parliament backs Scot Lib Dems for more generous community benefit from energy projects

The Scottish Parliament has today backed an amendment from Scottish Liberal Democrat energy spokesperson Sanne Dijkstra-Downie calling for more local communities to receive more generous benefits from hosting onshore renewable energy developments.

The party has consistently advocated for fair compensation to local communities who bear the burden of hosting renewable projects like wind farms and solar panels, which are transforming the UK's energy landscape. However, many of these communities, especially in rural areas, see little direct financial benefit, despite enduring the visual and environmental impact of these industrial-scale projects.

The Scottish Government’s community benefit proposals, published on 18 February 2026, recommended £6,000 per MW per year community benefit payment for onshore wind. This is a real terms cut from the £5,000 per MW per year set out in 2014 once inflation has been accounted for.

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said:

“I’m pleased the SNP finally joined Scottish Liberal Democrats in recognising that those communities hosting new onshore renewable developments should see the benefits tangibly in their own communities. I hope they will now set out how they intend to improve on their derisory opening offer.

“We are asking them to accommodate large infrastructure developments on their doorsteps. Turbines, pylons, batteries and generators, elements that often fundamentally change the landscape they live in. It is difficult to build support for renewable energy when people see their landscapes changing and their communities facing disruption while the benefits are invisible.

“Community benefit should be about more than a cheque. It should also mean local jobs, investment, skills and, where possible, a genuine stake in the infrastructure being developed. Scotland has the capacity and ability to lead the world in renewable energy but we must make sure that this opportunity touches every community, from Kelso to Thurso.”