Community Collaboration: Enhancing Wind Farm Development through Collaborative Agreements
About this good practice
The practice in Allande, Asturias, aims to secure local community acceptance and participation in wind farm projects by introducing collaborative agreements for community benefits and revenue sharing on communal land.
Implemented by EDP in collaboration with local communities and authorities, it ensures tangible benefits through participatory planning, financial resources, and revenue sharing.
Key stakeholders include EDP, local authorities, and community members, with primary beneficiaries being the local communities. This approach fosters positive relationships, mitigates negative impacts, and enhances project sustainability.
The collaborative agreements model offers insights for improving community engagement in renewable energy projects, emphasizing the importance of incorporating community interests into planning and permitting.
Resources needed
Implementing this practice requires coordination between the wind farm developer, local authorities (City councils), and the community members. Resources needed include financial resources for land leasing or purchasing costs, as well as human resources for negotiating and managing agreements.
Evidence of success
The success of this practice is evidenced by the positive impact on both the local community and the wind farm developer. By sharing revenue and providing community benefits, such as maintaining and improving communal properties, the practice fosters positive relationships between stakeholders. Additionally, the practice ensures that wind farm installations consider and mitigate potential impacts on communal lands, enhancing social acceptance and project sustainability.
Potential for learning or transfer
This practice demonstrates a successful approach to engaging local communities in wind farm developments, which can serve as a model for other regions or countries. The collaborative agreements facilitate cooperation between developers and communities, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes. The practice highlights the importance of considering community interests and incorporating them into planning and permitting procedures for renewable energy projects. Therefore, it offers valuable insights for policymakers, developers, and communities seeking sustainable solutions for wind energy development.