Abstract
Allocating a proportion of revenues to local communities has been a key feature of renewable developments, particularly onshore wind. This has provided new funds for communities to spend on local social, environmental and economic initiatives, including addressing fuel poverty and supporting green jobs. Decades of experience have shown that communities can benefit from, or in some cases directly own a part of new renewable developments, supporting local areas and a wider just transition. Offshore industries such as oil and gas have primarily benefitted local communities through job creation and increased income for local businesses. Offshore renewable projects have also offered these benefits, while contributing to the delivery of a secure energy system that meets our net zero targets. Through this research we have spoken to 20 different stakeholders from developers to academia, government to communities – and found that there is a broad consensus that communities have a key part to play in the transition to net zero.