On 15 October 2024, a Westminster Hall debate on community benefits from renewable energy projects was opened by Angus McDonald MP, who highlighted the challenges faced by remote communities in accessing fair energy costs and the burden of renewable infrastructure.
McDonald emphasised the disparity in energy costs faced by rural populations, stating, “Renewables are coming from absolutely everywhere. Now the 68 million people in the UK are enormous beneficiaries of our renewable services. But the cost is borne by a fraction of this number of those living in remote areas.”
Angus McDonald pointed out that residents in these areas often pay a premium for electricity connections and face additional challenges due to a lack of mains gas, leading to higher heating costs.
The MP condemned the unfair financial burden placed on rural communities, declaring, “It is an absolute disgrace that people in rural Britain are paying a premium to get renewables.”
He also noted the unique challenges faced by residents in remote areas during long winters, many of whom live near wind farms that generate energy primarily for urban areas.
He proposed a financial initiative for community benefits, suggesting that “5 per cent of revenue from all newly consented renewable energy generated from both onshore and offshore should be paid to community energy funds.”
McDonald advocated for two-thirds of that amount to be allocated to affected councils, with one-third directed towards a council strategic fund for offshore projects.
He believes this would ensure that communities hosting energy infrastructure receive fair compensation, especially in light of rising energy prices.
The debate on community benefits comes as the Energy Crisis Commission suggests the UK is ill-prepared for a potential future energy crisis, primarily due to its significant dependence on gas for heating and electricity.
The report reveals that British households and businesses have been affected more severely than those in many other European nations due to this reliance on gas.
The UK ranks as the second most dependent country in the European Union for gas heating and joint fifth for gas electricity generation.
The Commission underscores that the sluggish pace of energy efficiency improvements in poorly insulated and damp homes, delays in implementing new building standards, and missed opportunities to expand renewable energy sources, such as onshore wind, have worsened the challenges faced by consumers.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported today that current geopolitical uncertainties pose risks to both energy security and the global initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The IEA’s analysis indicates that the world is transitioning into a new phase in energy markets, characterised by ongoing geopolitical challenges, alongside the potential for a surplus of oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and essential clean energy technologies such as solar panels and batteries by the latter part of the 2020s.
Nick Rosen, off grid pioneer said: “For those who are off the gas grid or who depend on oil for heating their homes, off grid electricity is a rational choice.
“And it could benefit people who are worried about their future energy bills or who live in areas with bad grid connectivity.
“Small local renewable energy micro grids provide resilience and self-determination for overlooked areas and in particular can help speed up housing starts.”
Notes to editors
Nick Rosen is available for comments/interviews
Nick Rosen is an environmental campaigner and expert in off-grid energy, known for authoring two books on off-grid living and founding off-grid.net, a resource that has assisted over 80,000 users in exploring off-grid solutions and developing large-scale natural resource projects.
He has produced films for major networks such as BBC, ITV, Channel 4, PBS, and CBS, and frequently participates in radio shows and podcasts. Additionally, Nick has contributed articles to prominent publications including The Guardian, The Times, The Spectator, Daily Mail, Washington Post, and Reuters, where he offers insights on government energy policy and legislation.
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Dimitris Mavrokefalidis
