Associate Feature. Advancing onshore wind in Scotland: A commitment to community and policy engagement

As the Head of External and Corporate Affairs at Muirhall Energy the one piece of advice I would give to my colleagues across industry is that good projects are rooted in good communication. As renewable developers we produce better, more sensitively designed projects when we base these on a deep respect for the communities we work within and a proactive approach to navigating the evolving policy landscape.

Scotland as a nation has accepted our role in the rapid industrialisation of the 19th century, and how those actions have contributed to the changing climate being felt by our poorest global communities.  We have a moral imperative to tackle climate change, but to do so in a way that secures our own energy future and promises a truly just transition.  I believe that onshore wind offers that opportunity, with cheap, green electricity, generated in Scotland, providing career opportunities and investment into our rural and coastal communities.  

Muirhall Energy is proud to contribute to the ambition of delivering 20GW of onshore wind in Scotland by 2030.  Our projects are designed not only to harness Scotland’s abundant wind resources, but also to ensure that the benefits are shared with local communities and that our efforts align with national policy objectives.

At Muirhall Energy, we believe that the success of onshore wind projects is deeply rooted in developing meaningful partnerships with the communities that host them. Community engagement is not just a box-ticking exercise; it is the foundation of our approach to development. 

From the outset of any project, we prioritise open, transparent, and meaningful dialogue with local residents, landowners, and stakeholders. This engagement begins with the initial scoping stages and continues throughout the life cycle of the project. We hold public consultations, community meetings, and one-on-one discussions to ensure that we listen to and address the concerns and aspirations of the community.

One of the key outcomes of our community engagement efforts is the development of community investment funds. These funds are designed to provide financial support for local initiatives, creating a lasting positive impact on the communities that host our wind farms. 

Muirhall Energy has a history of delivering shared ownership models ensuring that the economic benefits of renewable energy are shared more broadly and can provide a legacy to communities, allowing them to plan and deliver for their future.  As onshore wind projects become larger we appreciate that this adds a layer of complexity in relation to the communities securing funding.  This is not an insurmountable problem, and with industry and government working together across both renewables and the financial sector, we can ensure fair and reasonable access to capital.   

The Scottish Government’s support for onshore wind is a critical factor in the sector’s growth, but it comes with its challenges. The policy environment is dynamic, requiring developers to be agile and proactive. At Muirhall Energy, we work closely with policymakers, industry bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure that our projects are in line with both current and emerging policies.

One of the key policy challenges is balancing the need for rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity with environmental and planning considerations. We are committed to developing our projects responsibly, ensuring that they are sited in locations that minimise environmental impact and are supported by robust environmental assessments.

We also advocate for policies that streamline the planning process for onshore wind projects. This includes supporting the development of a clear and consistent regulatory framework that provides certainty for developers while maintaining high environmental and social standards.
As we look to the future, Muirhall Energy remains dedicated to advancing onshore wind in Scotland in a way that benefits both the environment and the communities we serve. We believe that by continuing to prioritise community engagement and working collaboratively with policymakers, we can help Scotland achieve its renewable energy goals while ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon economy is fair and inclusive.

This article is sponsored by Muirhall Energy
www.muirhallenergy.co.uk