Maximizing Local Acceptance through Benefit Sharing

Abstract: Local opposition has been widely recognized as a potentially powerful barrier to the successfuldevelopment of wind power projects. As a result, there has been increasing pressure put on industryproponents to adopt comprehensive strategies aimed at increasing local acceptance. The concept ofbenefit sharing is becoming more widely recognized as an effective method of doing so.A comparative analysis of wind power projects throughout Europe has demonstrated considerablevariability both in terms of the quantities and qualities of benefit sharing mechanisms applied. Despitethis variability, however, there does appear to be a tendency toward establishing community funds tosupport certain initiatives in the host locality. Developers have also offered local ownershipopportunities, electricity price reduction for community members, knowledge sharing and/oreducational initiatives, local employment opportunities, and some have undertaken extensiveenvironmental restoration or enhancement projects. The key factors influencing the development of abenefit sharing strategy are the national context, the organizational competencies of the developer andthe local context. Careful consideration of these factors will inform the creation of an effective benefitsharing scheme.However, the application of a benefit sharing scheme in itself does not guarantee acceptance, but rathermust be integrated with effective public engagement and participation in decision making throughwhich the needs, wishes and demands of the host community are addressed and incorporated into theproject details, where possible. Overall, based on the influences of the national context in combinationwith the specific competencies of the developer, organizations are recommended to adopt formalized,yet flexible policies or strategies for benefit sharing in each country where they operate, which can thenbe adapted to the unique circumstances of each project and community.