A developer’s perspective of community benefit funds Claire Addison Communications Manager AES Wind Generation

Developer and operator specialising in medium to large scale wind projects in the UK. Responsible for development and operation of almost 300MW of installed capacity, with over 300MW in development. Member of Renewable UK and Scottish Renewables.

AES and community benefit funding Independently administered Offered for 25 year life of each site Index linked Decision on structure and priorities trusted to local communities Community profile offered Support for strategic and long-term projects

North Rhins Wind Farm Located on the Rhins peninsula, between Stranraer and Portpatrick. Operating since January turbines with a total installed capacity of 22MW. £236,280 towards the community purchase of the Portpatrick Harbour.

Going forward: what we’d like to see Guidance and support in overcoming gaps between community councils and other community members Guidance and support for strategic funding models including social enterprises and start up grants Case studies focusing on economic development A clear structure for electricity discount schemes

Going forward: what developers should be offering A named point of contact An agreed £ per MW that is the industry standard at the time of the fund’s creation Option of multi-year funding models to encourage stable support Flexibility and a willingness to trust local people to decide where the money can best be used Paying for additional costs on top of the fund – no siphoning off A simple application process and reasonable turnaround time