Election / Lib Dems ‘underwhelmed’ by new community benefit proposals
PROPOSALS to increase community benefit from onshore wind energy projects from £5,000 to £6,000 per installed megawatt have been described as “deeply underwhelming” by the Liberal Democrats.
Following consultation with industry, communities and other interested parties, the Scottish Government published its thinking on the topic on Wednesday.
The Liberal Democrats, who have been campaigning for a much higher level of community benefit, were the first to react to the proposals locally.
Both Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart and the party’s candidate for the May election Emma Macdonald said the isles were in the centre of the energy transition, and should be “appropriately compensated” for its contribution.
Macdonald, who is also the SIC’s political leader, also made the point for community benefit payments to be “enshrined in law”. Currently these payments by energy developers are recommended but not statutory.
Wishart said: “The Scottish Government have lagged behind the reality in many communities across Scotland that living with energy infrastructure does not come with compensation of having it on your doorstep.
“Shetland is often identified as a key generator of renewable power as we make the energy transition to sustainable energy.
“What Scottish Liberal Democrats are clear about is that this cannot come at the expense of the people living here, communities deserve to see the compensation for living near new energy developments.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats have been campaigning to increase the rates paid out by these projects for years.
“These deeply underwhelming proposals fall far short of what communities, councils and campaigners have been demanding.”
Macdonald added: “Shetland punches above its weight in our contribution to sustainable energy generation and we are living with the consequences of that.
“Energy infrastructure is sprawling across our landscapes, and the local conversation is ongoing about what is too much.
“Just as when we lived with oil and gas generation, we should be appropriately compensated for living with it.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats are committed to a generous package of community benefit payments that are enshrined into law.”
From a council perspective she added: “It’s fair to say I am disappointed, the proposals simply don’t go far enough.
“This level of community benefit is not going to take communities with them and whilst these are just principles they could have used this as an opportunity to try and make this a much fairer proposal.”
Other candidates are expected to submit their reactions later. These will be added to this story.
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