Government seeks views on renewables community benefits

Coastal and rural communities are set to benefit from a cash boost from renewable energy developments in their areas.

Under Government plans, developers would have to pay into community benefit funds, ensuring infrastructure projects contribute to residents’ lives, the local economy and growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change

Ministers said coastal and rural areas will play a significant role in hosting the clean energy projects needed to get energy bills down for good and deliver energy security with homegrown power that Britain controls.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Our Plan for Change will revitalise Britain’s coastal and rural communities creating community wealth, better facilities and energy security for the country.”

The proposals seek input on which types of energy infrastructure should be required to pay into community benefit funds, which may include renewable and low-carbon electricity generation, and energy storage.