Eastgate Renewable Energy Village
Name of the project	Eastgate Renewable Energy Village
Country	United Kingdom
Description	Using solar, wind, hydro and biomass sources to generate electricity, the community surrounding the area can reap the benefits of increased employment and tourism as well as low cost and sustainable energy. The project is now in the finalizing stages of gaining permission to start the development. At this stage the ownership of the area will transfer to the community, free of charge.
Project developer	Weardale Task Force
Start date	30-11-1999
Financing sources	Grant from the dept of energy and climate change.
Initiator	Weardale Task Force
Investor(s)	Lafarge Cement, One NorthEast, local community
Project owner	Weardale Task Force
Actors who receive benefits	Local community, non profit organisation still to be created
Legal background	The project is mainly possible because the cement company wished to return the area to the community, free of charge, in a way which would be beneficial to its economic development. Currently, the municipality is in the process of researching any liabilities concerning this transaction prior to accepting it.
Background information	With the departure of the local cement company (Blue Circle was bought by Lafarge Cement UK ) from the cement quarry, Eastgate lost a large source of income and employment. It was therefore promised by Lafarge Cement UK. that there would be an alternative use for the location, one that would restore economic benefits in the community. When a geothermal source was found, providing naturally heated water of a quality usable for a spa, the area was immensely attractive to use as a eco-friendly touristic destination.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Benefits in kind Local contracting Local employment Indirect social benefits
Renewable energy source	Wind power Hydropower Solar energy Bio-fuel Geo-thermal energy
Application of BSM	Benefits in kind: Local contracting: The work which needs to be done in the development stages of the project is delegated to local contractors as much as possible, generating temporary employment for the local community. Local employment: As the project will result in a small scale renewable energy showroom, there will be permanent employment in maintenance and operation. Furthermore, there will be indirect effects due to the increased tourism, which will generate jobs in hospitality businesses, as well as other economic activities. Indirect social benefits: The project is designed to attract various sectors of tourism, as it provides for a spa as well as a showroom for five different methods for harvesting renewable energy sources.
Roles of the different stakeholders	The Lafarge Cement company facilitates the project by donating the area to the community. Local government stimulates the project by streamlining the process of permit application, having a facilitating role between the developers and the local community, as well as providing information to its citizens.
Impact of BSM of this project on socio-political level or market acceptance	This project is one of the first in the UK which uses such a large variety of energy sources. If the project works out to be as successful as anticipated, the use of renewable energy sources as a (new) source of income to a region as well as an attraction for tourists, could be stimulated and repeated within the country as well as in the rest of Europe.
Website	http://www.davidlock.com/weardale2/

	Cruach Mhor
Name of the project	Cruach Mhor
Country	United Kingdom, Scotland
Description	Cruach Mhor windfarm near Glendaruel in Argyll and Bute, Scotland comprises 35 wind turbines with a generation of around 30MW. Each turbine has a maximum height of 72m and all were manufactured locally by Vestas Celtic at its factory at Machrihanish. The plant delivers enough green energy for around 17,000 homes – displacing more than 60,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases – and is an important contributor to the UK’s target of achieving 15% of energy supply from renewable sources by 2015.
Project developer	Scottisch Power
Start date	14-07-2003
Initiator	CRE Energy
Project owner	Scottish Power
Actors who receive benefits	Local Community
Background information	Cowal was selected as an area where there was potential for a windfarm development. A detailed, area-wide site selection process was then initiated in order to select the site with the greatest potential. Three sites were seriously investigated. Scottish Natural Heritage and Argyll and Bute Council were closely consulted during this process. Through a process of elimination Cruach Mhor was chosen as the site with the greatest potential due to the limited area over which it will be seen, combined with a good quality access road already in existence through the forest and ready access to the electricity grid nearby.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Community fund Compensation Benefits in kind Local contracting Local employment
Renewable energy source	Wind power
Application of BSM	Community Fund: The community recieves an annual trust of £21.000 (2003 level) for the duration of the operational life of the project. The trust fund is to be held for the benefit of local communities and can be used for charitable, educational or environmental purposes. This trust is now funding a dynamic rural development programme, tasked with revitalising the community ensuring its longterm economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability. Compensation: Scottish Power will have to set up a bond of £115,000 (2003 level)prior to any work, to ensure that when the life span of 26 years are up, there are sufficient funds to return the land to its former glory. Benefits in Kind: An interesting element of the windfarm's development was an innovative habitat management programme for the benefit of hen harriers, short-eared owls and black grouse. Almost 300ha of commercial forestry was felled with the aim of regenerating grassland and heathland habitats suitable for the birds. Local Contracting: During the construction phase, approximately 100 jobs have been created for the purpose of infrastructure works etc. These employment contracts were made for a period of 12 months and were tendered for 3 million GBP. The contract to build the 35 wind turbines has been awarded by Scottish Power to Vestas-Celtic Wind Technology, based at Machrihanish near Campbeltown. The turbines are the company’s type V52-850kw. The contact brought an estimated £15million into the Argyll economy. Local Employment: The projects employs 3 full time employees for maintenance and operation works.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	Communication between the local community councils and ScottishPower was initiated in January 2001. This was the first stage of the consultation process, which was initiated to ensure that the local population had the opportunity to raise any issues which could then be investigated in the Environmental Impact Assessment.
Roles of the different stakeholders	Scottisch Power: The councils and communities of the locations which they were scouting for this windpark, of which Cruach Mhor was finally chosen, were included in the decision making process very early, making it possible to provide tailor made solutions for any obstacles they may see.
Difficulties which had to be overcome	Environmental: Wind-watch, an organisation in the UK, has warned about the environmental impact of realising all the planned wind farms in the Outer Clyde Estuary, which includes Cruach Mhor, would have an unnaceptable impact on the environment.
Planned production of MW by your project	30 MW
Website	http://www.scottishpowerrenewables.com/pages/cruach_mhor_windfarm.asp

	El Hierro 100 % RES Island
Name of the project	El Hierro 100 % RES Island
Country	Spain
Description	The project at El Hierro aims at creating a 100% sustainable energy sources island. Using wind turbines, a hydro powerplant as well as PV installations and solar thermal collectors, with possible extentions towards biomass, the inhabitants of El Hierro should be independent of fossil fuels in the near future.
Project developer	Gorona Del Viento El Herrio S.A.
Start date	30-11-2004
Total investment (€)	60 Million
Financing sources	Private equity Subsidies
Initiator	The Government of the Island El Herrio
Investor(s)	Public ( EU and Regional) and Private, managed by a consortium ‘Gorona del Viento S.A.’ whose shareholders are: the Island Government, the Canary Island through the participation of the Instituto Tecnico de Canarias (ITC), the utility company UNELCO- ENDE
Project owner	Gorona Del Viento El Herrio S.A.
Actors who receive benefits	Stakeholders and the local community
Legal background	The European Commission (DG TREN) granted financial support to a consortium of 7 partners, coordinated by ITC (Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias), to carry out the project ‘Implementation of 100% RES Project for EL Hierrio Island – first phase’ which objectives were the design and construction of the Hydro-Plant, the installation of the 500m2 of solar thermal collectors, the installation of 50kwp of grid connected photovoltaic systems and the assessment of potential for the exploitation of biomass.
Background information	With 276 km² and more than 10.890 inhabitants, El Hierro electricity demand was mainly covered by a conventional thermal power station (13MW diesel-fired system). The focus on renewable energies (RES) started in 1997 with the approval of the “Sustainable Development Plan” which defined a strategy to become a 100% RES island. After a first phase of studies and planning, the construction of the Wind-Hydro Plant has started, which should be able to cover nearly 80% of the Island’s electricity demand. The system is linked to a water desalination plant to fill reservoirs and produce water for irrigation and domestic use. Seminars and campaigns have been run to increase citizens' acceptance of the project and it was decided to directly involve the citizens as co-owners of the wind-hydro plant. The El Herrio was recognized by UNESCO in 2000 'World Wide Reserve of Biosphere” as space which represented an insular development model and laboratory.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Local ownership/co-ownership
Renewable energy source	Wind power Hydropower
Application of BSM	Local ownership/co-ownership: Part of the shares of the Island Government in the Gorona del Viento, the consortium created to manage the wind-hydro plant, will be divided into smaller shares in order to offer the opportunity of co-ownership to El Hierro Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and every islander.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	The Island’s characteristics as a ‘stand-alone’ island, facilitate the implementation of a self sufficient energy system and increase the citizens' involvement in political decisions. The willingess to cooperate amongst the wide range of actors involved ( El Herrio Government, Canary Islands Government, Utilities and Research Centers, citizens). European Union and regional funding supports and promotes the project to set an example for others islands, giving El Hierro the opportunity to become a ‘showcase’ for islands and attract eco-tourism. Organizing awareness-raising campaigns, including the publication of brochures, leaflets and information in relevant journals as well as the organisation of workshops, seminars and prestations in conferences.
Roles of the different stakeholders	The Consortium 'Gorona del Vento' owns and exploits the power station is formed by: - Island Government El Herrio, representing the political commitment and is the essential link for the citizens participation the project; -The Instituto Tecnico de Canarias (ITC) researches innovative solutions; -The utility company UNELCO- ENDESA provides expertise in the technical contruction and management of the plant
Difficulties which had to be overcome	Socio- economic problems were caused by the huge initial investment for a small economy, with little information available in the market as it was one of the first of its kind and the project was of a highly innovative nature. Furthermore, some technical difficulties had to be overcome, as the power network was not strong enough.
Impact of BSM of this project on community acceptance	Local ownership/co-ownership: Public acceptance of the shift towards renewable energy was increased by the possibility of being directly involved as co-owners of the Wind-Hydro Power Station and the possibility to have drinkable water produced in the island.
Impact of BSM of this project on socio-political level or market acceptance	Due to its scale and wide variety of renewable energy sources, the project has an impact on market acceptance of RES projects due to its exemplary properties.
Planned production of MW by your project	Wind Farm 11, 5 MW, Hydroelectric Substation 11,3 MW, Pumping Station 6MW
Website	http://www.insula-elhierro.com/

	Samsø renewable energy island
Name of the project	Samsø renewable energy island
Country	Denmark
Description	In 1997 the Danish Ministry of Energy arranged a competition among Danish islands to become 100% self-sufficient in energy based on renewables. The proposal from the Samsø island was assessed to be the most feasible and realistic. The concept builds on energy saving measures and the following and the construction of eleven 1 MW land based mills, ten 2,3 MW off shore wind turbines and four small straw-fired district heating plants.
Project developer	Samsø Energy company
Start date	01-01-1997
Total investment (€)	Approximately 48 million
Financing sources	Shareholder equity Debt-finance Subsidies from the government
Initiator	Samsø municipality and Samsø Environment and energy office as response to the competition arranged by the Ministry of Energy
Investor(s)	Land turbines: The total investment was € 9 million. € 7.36 million financed by the farmers owing the land (9 turbines). € 1.64 million financed by a cooperative with 430 shareholders (two turbines)
Project owner	Citizens of the island, the municipality and private investors
Actors who receive benefits	Citizens of the island, the municipality and private investors.
Legal background	The Danish law on electricity supply had at that time a provision ensuring a minimum price for electricity produced by wind turbines in the first 10. Thus, the minimum sales price for the first 12,000 KWh was € 0,08 and thereafter it was € 0,06.
Background information	The citizens were involved from the start in the planning of the project and all aspects have been debated continuously. The plans and projects have been adjusted along the road due to input from the local community and at the end the entire community accepted and supported the plans.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Local ownership/co-ownership Local contracting Local employment
Renewable energy source	Wind power Bio-fuel
Application of BSM	Co-ownership: Local co-ownership was offered to the citizens of the island in relation to both the land and the offshore wind turbines through cooperatives. Local contracting: In the period from 1998 to 2007 it is estimated that 20 fulltime jobs were created in relation to planning and construction of the projects. Especially when it came to the construction of the land based wind turbines and the district heating plants, local labour was used. However, these jobs do not exist any more, as the projects have been completed. Local employment: Now 6 people are occupied at Samsø Energy Academy advising the island citizens about energy projects and energy saving and sharing the experience gained through the renewable energy island project to the outside world.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	Local community involvement. The outset of the project was an overall master plan which was approved by the ministry of energy. This has been an important tool throughout the project implementation. Political and financial support and involvement from the municipality. Fixed minimum price for the for electricity produced by wind turbines .
Roles of the different stakeholders	It was the municipality that submitted the application for the competition to be renewable energy island. In order to organize the project and involve the citizens, a secretariat was established by a local NGO "Samsø energy and environment office". Later on, the energy company "Samsø Energy company" was established in order develop the specific projects and ensure the financing. This company was established by the municipality, the local trade organization and Samsø energy and environment office. When the majority of the projects were established the energy company was closed down. A new organization has been established under the name Samsø Energy Academy. Its role is to further develop the project , give professional advice to citizens considering to develop their own projects as well as to disseminate the experience .
Difficulties which had to be overcome	According to the master plan bio gas plants should have been part of the overall project. The island produces sufficient manure and organic waste. However, as the price for electricity generated from bio gas was too low, it turned out not to be feasible.
Impact of BSM of this project on community acceptance	The possibility for the citizens to become shareholders has created a positive attitude towards renewable energy installations in the community. The focus on renewable energy has encouraged many people on the island to engage in small private projects such as private solar panels and heat pumps.
Impact of BSM of this project on socio-political level or market acceptance	There is great interest from other parts of Denmark as well as internationally to learn from Samsø´s experience. It has created a great deal of "renewable energy tourism". These are frequently visitors from the Far East.
Website	http://www.energiakademiet.dk/

	Le Haut-des-Ailes
Name of the project	Le Haut-des-Ailes
Country	France
Description	The project consists of 22 wind turbines erected in the Lorraine region. Each turbine has a capacity of 2MW amounting to a total capacity of 44MW. The farm is one of the largest in France and impacts 50 communities, directly or indirectly.
Project developer	Erelia (GDF Suez)
Start date	01-09-2005
Total investment (€)	50 million
Financing sources	Shareholder equity Debt financing Subsidies
Initiator	Erelia
Investor(s)	Local Community, FIDEME
Project owner	Local Community, Erélia
Actors who receive benefits	Local Community
Legal background	In France the 'Taxe Professionnelle' is a tax based on the 'rental value' of corporate real estate which accrues solely to the local municipality. This tax has played an important role in making renewable energy projects attractive to rural communities seeking to revitalise the local economy. As rural municipalities are often avoided by enterprises, they lack tax funds to reinvest in community projects. Rural communities, however, often have good locations for wind projects, which induced the interest of developers. The additional funds rural municipalities raised through the 'Taxe Professionnelle' and reinvested in the community has helped increase local political support and community acceptance in France. In 2010 it was announced that the 'Taxe Professionnelle' would be replaced by a tax on the land value of the enterprise. It remains to be seen if this will have an impact on the local political support for new developments
Background information	The regional council from the Lorraine Region, wished to realise a renewable energy project which stimulated sustainable local development and involved the local community. In erecting the wind farm the developer held several consultation phases with the local community ensuring they were fully informed about the new development. The consultation phases included public meetings, setting up stakeholders groups which could be consulted and executing polls. Furthermore, a charter consisting of 12 principles, covering aspects such as noise limits or other nuisances, were agreed upon between the community and the developer guaranteeing a sustainable development. The developer also offered the community the possibility of buying shares in the project, a first in France.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Community fund Local ownership/co-ownership Compensation Local contracting Local employment Indirect social benefits
Renewable energy source	Wind power
Application of BSM	Community Fund: the several communities surround the wind farm earn funds from the development in the form of the 'taxe professionnelle' (approx €6000 per turbine per year) which can be spent in the respective communities. Local Ownership: Le Haut-des-Ailes was the first wind farm in France offering shares to the local community. Shares were offered at the price of € 1000. Shareholder's can expect a return of approximately 7% annually. Compensation: land owners who host the turbines are compensated in the form of annual land-use payments. A protocol was signed between the developer and the land owners to ensure an equitable distribution of these payments. Local contracting: part of the investment price was reserved for local companies (mostly engineering and construction companies) during the construction of the farm. Local employment: 4 on-site full time employees were hired for maintenance of the wind farm. Indirect social benefits: the community actively tries to promote eco tourism. The wind farm is part of the 'Renewable Energy Route' and an initiative of the organisation "Lorraine Energies Renouvelables".
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	Political support was an essential success factor. The local region wished to stimulate the development of wind farms in the region with a high level of consultation and involvement of the local community. The developer was very open in its communications with the community, agreeing on several principles before construction began. Thanks to the open communication, clear agreements and benefits offered the community played a decisive role in creating acceptance.
Roles of the different stakeholders	Local Authorities: initiated the concept of a wind farm project with a high level of community involvement and engage themselves to help develop ecological tourism which provides indirect benefits to the community. Developer: Communicate clearly & invite the community to participate Municipalities & Region: Initiated the idea of the project where the community would be involved and engaged itself to develop ecological tourism which provides indirect benefits to the community.
Impact of BSM of this project on community acceptance	The host of benefits offered to the community clearly had an impact on the community acceptance of the project. Only 18 months were required between the study phase of the project and acquiring the construction permit, which demonstrates the high level of acceptance for this project.
Impact of BSM of this project on socio-political level or market acceptance	Le Haut-des-Ailes was the first wind farm in France to offer the local community a share in the project. As a pioneering project it provided an example for other comparable projects.
Planned production of MW by your project	44 MW
Website	http://www.ereliagroupe.fr/accueil/nos-parcs-eoliens/le-haut-des-ailes/

	Bouin
Name of the project	Bouin
Country	France
Description	The Bouin wind farm consists of 8 wind turbines with two different owners. Three turbines of 2,5MW are owned by the Régie d'Electricité de Vendée, while 5 turbines with a capacity of 2,4MW are owned by SIIF, a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles. The wind farm completed construction in 2003.
Project developer	SIIF / Régie d'Electricité de Vendée
Start date	01-01-2003
Total investment (€)	23 million
Financing sources	Shareholder equity
Initiator	SIIF / Régie d'Electricité de Vendée
Investor(s)	SIIF / Régie d'Electricité de Vendée
Project owner	SIIF / Régie d'Electricité de Vendée
Actors who receive benefits	Shareholders, Municipality, Community
Legal background	In France the 'Taxe Professionnelle' is a tax based on the 'rental value' of corporate real estate which accrues solely to the local municipality. This tax has played an important role in making renewable energy projects attractive to rural communities seeking to revitalise the local economy. As rural municipalities are often avoided by enterprises, they lack tax funds to reinvest in community projects. Rural communities however often have good locations for wind projects, which raised the interest of developers. The additional funds rural municipalities raised through the 'Taxe Professionnelle' and reinvested in the community has helped raise local political support and community acceptance in France. In 2010 it was announced that the 'Taxe Professionnelle' would be replaced by a tax on the land value of the enterprise. It remains to be seen if this will have an impact on the local political support for new developments
Background information	The French department of the Vendée wished to promote renewable energy within the territory. The site in the community of Bouin was identified as ideal due to low population density, good wind conditions, proximity to grid connection and absence of protected zones. After several consultation rounds with the local community the municipality accepted the project to its potential benefits for the local community and the possibilities of new income for the community. When completed in 2003 it was the largest wind farm in France.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Community fund Compensation Local employment Indirect social benefits
Renewable energy source	Wind power
Application of BSM	Community Fund: considering the municipality's rural character the additional taxes in the form of the 'Taxe Professionnelle' represents a significant increase in its budget. The additional taxes gained represent approximately 10% of the municipality's annual budget allowing several new public projects to be undertaken. Compensation: the farm is located near a lake where several unique birds nest. LPO, a bird protection agency, required compensatory measures to be taken before agreeing with the development. These included a ban on hunting certain birds, underground electricity cables and the execution of certain public works on the lake to improve the birds' habitat. An annual study, performed by the LPO and funded by the developers, demonstrates no higher rates of mortality amongst birds since the completion of the wind farm. Indirect social benefits: the wind farm has had a clear impact on the number of tourists visiting the municipality. Each summer approximately 18.000 cars pass the municipality daily on their way to the south of France but hardly any tourists stopped. Since construction on average 1000-1500 tourists stop daily to visit the wind farm generating income for the local community. The wind farm also served as a prestige project for the community. Besides being the largest wind farm in France at the time, it served as an educational example for other French communities considering their own farm.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	Political willingness to refocus the economy and create benefits for the community.
Roles of the different stakeholders	The local authorities, and in particular the mayor, have played an essential role in supporting this project and realising benefits for the community. All the benefits to the community are mostly based on the initiative of the local authorities to promote eco tourism and invest the additional tax revenue on community projects.
Difficulties which had to be overcome	A lawsuit was filed in the planning fase of the project by bird-protection group (LPO), which supported the development but demanded certain compensatory measures be taken. The developer agreed upon the measures which included a ban on hunting certain birds, underground electricity cables and the execution of certain public works on the lake to improve the birds' habitat. A second lawsuit was filed by "l'Association pour la Sauvegarde et la Valorisation des Pays du Gois", a landscape conservation group. They denounced the 'gigantic and disproportionate' size of the project and its impact on the landscape, and disputed the construction permit. They have however withdrawn their suit in 2005.
Impact of BSM of this project on community acceptance	The direct link between the construction of the wind farm and the increase in tourists and revenues has created a large acceptance within the community for the wind farm. In a survey in 2003, 94% of the local community approved of the wind farm and 87% of the members of the surrounding community.
Impact of BSM of this project on socio-political level or market acceptance	The project was one of the first large wind farms in France and provided a large amount of funds in the form of local taxes to the municipality. These additional incomes for the municipalities provided a strong incentive for other rural communities to analyse the potential for wind farms in their region.
Planned production of MW by your project	19,5
Website	http://www.bouin.fr/page.php?id=12

	Småkraft
Name of the project	Småkraft
Country	Norway
Description	Småkraft ltd. is a power company formed by 5 other Norwegian power companies with the aim to develop small scale hydro power plants in a feasible and environmental freindly way. This is done through collaboration with the local land owners.
Project developer	Småkraft Ltd.
Start date	30-11-1999
Total investment (€)	Not known
Financing sources	Shareholder equity
Initiator	Småkraft Ltd.
Investor(s)	Småkraft Ltd. and the land owners
Project owner	Småkraft Ltd. and the land owners
Actors who receive benefits	Småkraft and local land owners
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Local ownership/co-ownership
Renewable energy source	Hydropower
Application of BSM	Each project is a collaboration between Småkraft Ltd and the landowner(s), based on a contract running for 40 years. Småkraft contributes with capital and know how. The land owners contribute with the water resources. The profit is shared between the two parties. The sizes of each party's shares are unknown. Currently there are 200 projects in 84 different municipalities, involving a total of 700 landowners.
Roles of the different stakeholders	Småkraft providing the capital and expertise Landowners providing the water resources
Impact of BSM of this project on community acceptance	The project does not influence the community acceptance as such. Sharing the profit between the landowners and Småkraft is a precondition for developing the projects.
Planned production of MW by your project	2300 GWh
Website	http://www.smaakraft.no/

	Texel Energy
Name of the project	Texel Energy
Country	Netherlands
Description	Texel Energy is a small scale energy company which supplies energy originating from renewable energy sources to consumers on the island of Texel, as well as to those in the rest of the country. The company started out with supplying the energy it purchased from other producers, but has the goal to be self-sufficient in the future, using geothermal, hydro, wind, biomass and solar power. The first step towards this was taken when the first windmill was put in service in the beginning of 2010.
Project developer	Texel Energy
Start date	01-01-2007
Financing sources	Shareholder equity Subsidies
Initiator	A group of Texel citizens, starting up Texel Energy
Project owner	Shareholders
Actors who receive benefits	Shareholders, Texel community
Legal background	Texel Energy does not aim at making a profit. It uses the proceeds to invest in the company, which will be beneficial to the local Texel economy. Investments are made in the use of new technology for renewable energy harvesting, such as tidal waves for electricity. The island can be used as an example for other area's, a sort of showroom of various renewable energy projects. The Texel economy will also be stimulated through the creation of jobs within the projects itself.
Background information	Texel energy appeals to the Texel inhabitants due to its small scale. The company has an office on the island, which can be visited freely, customers do not feel the distance they experience with large companies and call centres. With a population of only 13.783 the small scale approach is sustainable. Texel Energy has been successful in their bottom-up strategy as they started out as a small company, located on the island with close ties to their consumers, a method which appealed to their target market and therefore created a substantial consumer base. With a steady income the investments for self generation of renewable energy could be made.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Local ownership/co-ownership Local contracting Local employment Energy price reduction Indirect social benefits
Renewable energy source	Wind power Hydropower Solar energy Bio-fuel Geo-thermal energy
Application of BSM	Local ownership/co-ownership: Customers of Texel Energy buy shares by becoming a member, at a fee of €50. This membership allows them to use the energy supplied by Texel Energy at a discounted rate. Memberships can also be purchased by anyone who wishes, without the obligation of becoming a customer. Local contracting: Texel Energy aims to use local employees for the construction of its expanding business model as much as possible. Local employment: The goal is to use sustainable energy sources on the island to produce all the electricity and heat required. The harvesting of these sustainable resources will create new employment opportunities. Furthermore, as that most of the shareholders are Texel citizens,each investment made into the company benefits the local economy. Energy price reduction: When becoming a member, the renewable energy is supplied with a discount. Indirect social benefits: These stem from the potential Texel has in becoming a showroom due to the innovative technologies Texel Energy plans to put to use in the near future. Even though the island is already a popular destination for tourists, the renewable energy projects will increase this due to its appeal to a broader crowd, and will spread the flow of tourism more evenly towards the colder months.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	Texel Energy is successful because it used a bottom-up technique, which means that it started small and is proceeding in achieving its goals by taking incremental steps. The first step was to attract investors through co-ownership. Most of these investors are also consumers, making sure there is a steady source of income. The next step is to not only deliver renewable energy, which is purchased from another supplier, but to also produce locally. Wind energy is now produced by Texel Energy and the goals is to take gradual steps towards an island fully reliant on renewable energy sources. With the bottom-up approach, Texel Energy did not need to look for large investors or apply for large sums of government funding. Slowly but steadily the company can achieve its goals. By staying small it remains true to its initial values, to be a local energy supplier, supplying to the Texel community.
Roles of the different stakeholders	Local consumers enable Texel Energy to develop, as they provide the initial capital through their membership fee and an income base through their consumption. The local and national government have supplied Texel Energy with subsidies, which are put in place for initiatives which increase the share of renewable energy sources in the total energy supply, as well as initiatives which promote the use of these renewables. Texel Energy applies both these characteristics, and therefore qualified for these subsidies.
Impact of BSM of this project on community acceptance	Community Acceptance: Texel Energy has used the small scale of the Texel community and the value that it places on local initiatives, local companies to develop a strong relationship with its consumers. The fact that the company is founded by locals with an aim to cater to locals creates strong support. Having a wide scale of renewable energy sources at its disposal, the implementation of the renewable energy projects as it is planned at this point will create a source of knowledge, the local community gains access to this as well.
Impact of BSM of this project on socio-political level or market acceptance	Texel Energy aims to have Texel become a showroom to the world. The method it takes has effect, the first windmill is in use. Texel Energy can therefore be a good example to replicate in other locations, perhaps with similar small communities.
Website	www.texelenergie.nl

	Hydro Projects - Local ownership improvement programs
Name of the project	Hydro Projects - Local ownership improvement programs
Country	Portugal
Description	EDP -Energias de Portugal- is developing a new approach directed to increase the community acceptance of large Hydro Projects. The methodology aims to initiate an open dialogue during the entire project in order to understand the local expectations of the project, adjust the companys' projects and to strengthen the actions from the EDP Foundation.
Project developer	EDP
Start date	01-08-2008
Total investment (€)	N/A;
Financing sources	Promoter of construction / EDP
Initiator	EDP
Investor(s)	EDP
Project owner	EDP
Actors who receive benefits	Local community
Legal background	.
Background information	In 2006, 74% of Portugal's total renewable energy production was from hydropower plants and the Government has announced the intention to award 10 new hydro plants with a total capacity of 1,096 MWs. The following measures are available in Portugal to further stimulate the hydro market: fixed feed-in tariffs per small hydro ( as well as for PV, wave energy, small hydro, wind power, forest biomass, urban waste and biogas), investment subsidies and tax reductions. A participatory approach is being explored in the construction process of the hydro plants of Sabor, Tua and Fridao whose regions have strong similarities: limited offer of medical, social and tourism services, lack of infrastructures; high unemployment, low education rate and an ageing population .
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Benefits in kind
Renewable energy source	Hydropower
Application of BSM	Benefits in kind: In order to increase the community acceptance to the hydro projects, EDP has conducted studies on community expectations and their risk perception and has set up a well-structured consultative process to facilitate social participation. These procedures have permitted to establish strong local relations and partnerships through strong communication channels. This process demonstrated that the citizens' main expectations from the project focussed mostly on generating opportunies for economic development such as local employment, tourism, road access and the possibility for reduced energy prices. In line with these expectations, the EDP Foundation has started to implement programs such as social support for retired population, educational and cultural programs for young people.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	Elaboration of a 'Community involvement plan' by EDP which included assessment measures and the measurement programs Involvement of the local authorities from the very start of the construction process . Emphasis has been placed on identifying the correct stakeholders and on allowing their involvement during all project phases.
Roles of the different stakeholders	EDP is the engine of the process and has covered the additional costs in respect to the compliance with the basic legal compensation measures and is addressing the citizens' expectations through the EDP Foundation. Major efforts have been placed on overcoming the ‘ lack of participation’ culture and local authorities and citizens have responded positively to the consultative procedures and to the EDP Foundation programmes.
Difficulties which had to be overcome	Lack of participation culture from Portuguese society: The historical record of hydro-power plants built in the fifties and sixties did take local communities and stakeholders involvement and participation into consideration. Weighing the community expectations in order to avoid possible disappointment and/or the feeling of limited intervention power. The community of Amarante opposes the construction of downstream dam in Fridão as the water level in the Tâmega river would rise in the city. They argue that a higher water level poses an increased threat of floods in the city. They also fear that higher water levels would destroy the banks of the river, affecting the view of the city and removing the ability to enjoy walks along the river and instead replacing it by polluting and noisy entertainment such as jet-skis.
Impact of BSM of this project on community acceptance	As it is an ongoing process is too early to evaluate its long term impacts on acceptance of the new hydro plants.
Planned production of MW by your project	Sabor: 171 MW, Tua: 251 MW, Fridao: 238 MW,
Website	http://www.a-nossa-energia.edp.pt