Planet Beyond

Planet Beyond


Episode 40: Community Engagement for a Just Energy Transition

October 30, 2024

We will all bear the brunt of climate change without a rapid transition to renewables. But as we move through the energy transition, communities hosting new power generation facilities will see the landscape around them change.



To ensure that the benefits of the energy transition are shared by all, the Scottish government worked with wind farm developers and operators to establish best practice guidelines for community engagement. ScottishPower Renewables contributed to that guidance and now creates and supports community benefit funds across all of its projects.



In this episode, Gillan Arnot and Amy Aitken share the successes they have had working with communities onshore. As the wind industry moves offshore in Scotland, Colin McFarlane explains how the work of outreach and engagement will continue to empower and benefit local communities. And, Fugro’s Jonathan Ainley tells us, this work is ripe for emulation by the renewables industry worldwide.



Host



Jon Baston-Pitt, Fugro



Guests



Gillian Arnot, Senior Stakeholder and Community Manager, ScottishPower Renewables



Amy Aitken, Stakeholder and Community Manager, ScottishPower Renewables



Colin McFarlane, Senior Stakeholder Manager, ScottishPower Renewables



Jonathan Ainley, Global Key Account Manager, Fugro