12. 9. 2024
Imagine if strangers came to your home and started making changes without asking for your input. It would feel quite odd,correct? This is how residents feel when developers plan wind turbines near them without involving them in the decision-making.
Often, this leads to residents supporting wind farms in general but opposing them in their area. This phenomenon is known as "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard). However, we can change this by implementing a participatory process.
The process involves engaging all affected parties in the project. Investors can better understand local needs and concerns, and locals have a say in planning and decision-making. All parties involved benefit from this, which is why it’s referred to as benefit sharing.
This process isn’t new but it could be used more often. As far back as 2001, the Belgian city of Eeklo used this approach, allowing locals to be involved in decision-making and even purchase shares in the wind turbines. More recently, the Dutch wind farm Krammer, launched in 2019, gained attention for its bird protection measures, which were requested by the locals.
Involving people in joint green energy projects is still in its early stages in the Czech Republic. However, NOHO Energy is one of the frontrunners leading in this effort.
Projects made by NOHO Energy are well-known for involving the community and leveraging the benefits of local energy production. They offer significant advantages to municipalities and residents, such as wind turbines fully owned by municipalities.
At UKEN, we focus on community energy in Czechia, and we believe benefit sharing could accelerate its development. This approach truly benefits everyone: local governments, wind farm investors, residents, businesses, and the country as a whole.
There are three main types of benefits that investors can offer to the municipality and its residents:
Here are the four most common types of financial compensation:
Since some investors are also involved in building housing or public infrastructure, they can provide those benefits to the municipality. This often includes repairing and constructing public roads, renovating municipal buildings, or creating new local parks.
Unlike compensations, this approach involves municipalities and residents directly, who take on some business risk but expect higher returns. Investments can include buying shares in the project or gaining ownership in the wind farm, sometimes with the investor transferring a turbine to the municipality as part of the deal.
Involving local communities in wind energy projects not only addresses their concerns but also fosters a more collaborative and beneficial approach for everyone involved. By implementing a participatory process, we can enhance support for wind farms and ensure that residents see true benefits from these projects.
Download our comprehensive guide on this topic, available in Czech, as it specifically addresses the Czech context. However, it is also valuable outside of Czechia, and AI translation tools can help you understand it in your language.
Author: Eva Kliková
Anna Michalčáková
+420 605 038 162
anna.michalcakova@uken.cz
