Study into impact of local windfarm funds reveals legacy for local communities worth millions

A new, independent study published in February has revealed the major impact of two wind farm funds on communities in central Sutherland.


By Tom Black

The study’s findings show that the community benefit funds linked to SSE Renewables Achany and RWE Rosehall wind farms have delivered significant value across the three rural community council areas they serve: Ardgay and District, Creich, and Lairg. Both funds aim to support a broad range of community activities that help build vibrant local economies, and support and encourage thriving communities.


The Achany and Rosehall community benefit funds are administered using a multi-community and multi-developer collaborative model, believed to be unique in Scotland. Applications for both funds are assessed by a single award-making panel, with representatives from each of the three community council areas. The study suggests that this model has played a vital role in building meaningful social relationships, encouraging collective action, and promoting the involvement of local residents. 


Since the launch of the funds in 2010 (Achany) and 2012 (Rosehall), a combined total of £2.8 million has been awarded in grants to local initiatives, generating an estimated total of between £10 and £14.5 million in wellbeing benefits and around £11.8 million in local economic value, including the creation of 18 long-term jobs. 


The study marks the first time that the impact of community benefit funds has been assessed using Wellbeing Adjusted Life Years (WELLBYs), a system used to measure improvements in life satisfaction. The WELLBY analysis highlights the significant social value delivered by the funds, particularly in reducing isolation, improving social cohesion, and enhancing overall life satisfaction.


The research illustrates how, when administered effectively, with the active participation and support of local people, community benefit funding has the potential to generate substantial benefits and legacies for communities in the vicinity of renewable energy developments. Critical delivery factors include support for locally led activity, long-term support for local delivery organisations, and support for large scale, collaborative projects.


Despite ongoing cost-of-living challenges, this study demonstrates that the communities have become more resilient and empowered, and recognises that the funds have helped to lay a strong foundation for future development, particularly through strong ‘social capital’ - local skills and experience combined with networks of trust and reciprocity - ensuring a lasting legacy of economic, social, and environmental benefits.


Commenting on the study finding, Tom Black, Senior Community Investment Manager at SSE, said:
“This independent study is – as far as we know – the first of its kind in identifying the value that long-term community benefit funding can provide by supporting well-being in communities. The success of the two funds is not only down to the willingness of developers and fund administrators to collaborate but also the passion of local people keen to make the funds work well. As a company deeply rooted in the communities we serve, we are proud to continue to empower local groups through SSE Renewables community funding.”


Katy Woodington, RWE’s Community Investment Lead added: 
“The flexibility of community funding coupled with an openness from developers, fund administrators and community representative to collaborate has been stitched into the fabric of these funds right from the start. It has allowed the local decision-making panel to focus their energy on supporting creative, strategic approaches to addressing local challenges. RWE community funds are all about empowering local people and helping them to thrive.”


Administrative and grant making support for the RWE Rosehall fund is provided by independent charity Foundation Scotland.


Rachel Searle, Head of Communities and Impact at Foundation Scotland, said:
“We’re excited to be sharing this study at a time when interest in community benefit is growing at pace. Foundation Scotland helps ensure optimum arrangements are put in place that work for communities and developers, and are likely to achieve maximum impact. This report provides the evidence of measurable and meaningful impact, as well as valuable insight into how similar benefits could be maximised elsewhere.”


You can read the study report and hear from local projects that received funding here.