Forestry Commission Scotland is working with a number of energy developers to build wind and hydro projects on national forest land. Part of this programme ensures that communities can benefit from wind or hydro developments.
Information on hydro opportunities was last updated on 6th December 2011. Updated information on wind opportunities is due in Spring 2012.
General advice
For general advice on how to work with our selected energy developers, see opportunities for community involvement in hydro or wind renewable energy developments (PDF 1.1Mb).
Hydro generation schemes
A more detailed guide to community options for hydro generation schemes is available below, which sets out 3 ways for communities to proceed:
- A: to work with the developer to receive a Community Benefit payment annually.
- B: to invest in a partnership with the developer and receive payments from this stake.
- C: to investigate potential for community development on sites not selected by the developer (see details below).
Hydro Generation Schemes - A Guide to Community Options (PDF 1.8Mb)
This guidance pack provides an overview of a 1MW hydro scheme as an example.
Option C – more information and how to apply
If you would like to pursue Option C, further guidance, including how to register, is in Option C guidance (PDF 300k).
What areas are available?
The areas available for investigation have been added to the Map Viewer. This is a map-based tool that shows public information about the National Forest Estate in Scotland (guidance is available at the link above).
Within the viewer, in the layers section, there is a folder called 'Forest Renewables (Scotland)'. By opening this folder and selecting the 'Communities Hydro' box, the areas available for investigation will be displayed in blue.
Go to the Map Viewer.
Application deadline
For Option C, please complete the Expression of Interest Form (MS Word 325k) and return it by 30th June 2012.
If you have any questions about the processes set out here, please email to contactFoRe@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or telephone: 01698 222211.
Wind generation schemes
For a more detailed guide to community options for wind generation schemes, see:
Wind Generation Schemes: A Guide to Community Options (PDF 2.5Mb).
This guidance pack provides an overview of a 1.5MW and a 20 MW scheme as an example and a comparison. It also provides more detailed information on the issues and options to consider if you'd like to get involved.
It will be updated with similar information to hydro in Spring 2012.
