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/

	Svartsengi
Name of the project	Svartsengi
Country	Iceland
Description	The Svartsengi power plant is the first geothermal power plant in the world to combine generation of electricity and production of hot water for district heating. Since the first phase of the power plant in 1976-1978, the capacity has gradually expanded with the addition of three new turbines until 1989. In 1999 and 2006, the oldest two were replaced with new technologies to meet the increasing demand.
Project developer	Surdunes Regional Heating Corp
Start date	01-01-1973
Financing sources	Shareholder equity Subsidies
Initiator	The geothermal commission of Keflavik and Njardvik and the Icelandic Energy Authority
Investor(s)	National and local governments
Project owner	Sudurnes Regional Heating Corp (SRH)
Actors who receive benefits	The seven municipalities in SRH and Kevlafic airpo
Legal background	By law, Sudurnes Regional Heating Corporation is owned by seven municipalities surrounding the Svartsengi power plant (60%) as well as the State of Iceland (40%). The ownership by independent municipalities is divided: Keflavik 31,04%, Grindavik 8,11 %, Njardvik 8,70%, Sandgerdi 5,55%, Gerdahreppur 3,76%, Vatnsleysustrond 2,13% and Hafnir 0,71%.
Background information	Svartsengi Geothermal power plant is one of the largest in Iceland. Located in Iceland’s Reykanjes peninsula, the plant is built on a lava field dating from a volcanic eruption that took place in 1226. Svartsengi generates energy that provides heated water throughout the southwest peninsula. Geothermal brine that is not used for heating forms the Blue Lagoon, a popular tourists spa. With sustainable energy sources being a main focus for the Iceland community for a very long time, their use of geothermic energy sources for heating as well as electricity supply is roughly 30%. The Svarsengi geothermal energy plant is one of many in Iceland, with a production of 46.4 MW electricity and 150 MW hot water. A by-product of the geothermal activity is the famous tourist attraction Blue Lagoon, providing a naturally heated, steamy hot bath in the middle of a generally quite cool environment. The industry as well as the touristic by product create not only employment opportunities, but also the additional benefits of tourism, with little polution or additional costs. The heat and electricity produced, is provided at very low rates to local households, public buildings, such as the nearby airport and schools. The Blue Lagoon was created accidentally, the water was supposed to evaporate but remained and is said to have healing properties. The sight is immensely popular by tourists, traveling especially to the region to swim in the Blue Lagoon, creating an entire tourism industry with all the financial gains that come with that. The sanatorium near the Blue Lagoon is owned by Sudurnes Regional Heating Corporation as well.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Local employment Energy price reduction Indirect social benefits
Renewable energy source	Geo-thermal energy
Application of BSM	Local employment: The power plant and its spin off, the Blue Lagoon, and the tourism industry which surrounds that, created job opportunities for the local community. Energy price reduction: Svartsengi produces low cost, environmentally friendly heating and electricity for the local communities, whose municipalities own the power plant. Rising oil and gas costs do not affect energy prices in Iceland, which are unsubsidized and amongst the lowest in the world for electricity and heating. Savings in using geothermal energy for heating alone, instead of other forms of energy that would have to be imported, is estimated at USD 460 million per year for Iceland's tiny economy. Indirect social benefits: A side effect of the power plant has been the creation of the Blue Lagoon, a lake which is known to have healing effects on those suffering from skin decease. The waste heat of the power plant is used to fuel this lake as well as other facilities in the spa which has been built around this Blue Lagoon. The area attrackts a lot of tourism, which leads to indirect social benefits through increased income for the region as well as the infrastructure necessary to maintain the tourism industry.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	Iceland has a nearly abundant supply of geothermal energy sources, which makes a project of this scale possible. The Iceland government supports the use of this technique as it reduces costs for energy use and decreases dependence on foreign supplied fossil fuels.
Impact of BSM of this project on socio-political level or market acceptance	The Svartsengi geothermal energy plant was the first of its kind in the world. With the successful use of its heat and electricity for such a long time, the power plant has an exemplary function. Especially since the investments are large and need to be made in the beginning of the project, an example like Svartsengi can stimulate other parties to start such an undertaking. In 2009, the National Energy Authority reported that Icelanders have saved ISK 880 billion (USD 7.2 billion) through geothermal heating since 1970, assuming a two percent real yield. Today, around 90% of Iceland's substantial heating needs are met with geothermal resources.
Planned production of MW by your project	50 MW electricity and 150 MW thermal energy (planned)
Website	http://www.verkis.com/projects/energy/geothermal/nr/1403

	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

	Altahullion Wind Farm (I and II)
Name of the project	Altahullion Wind Farm (I and II)
Country	Ireland
Description	Altahullion is one of the largest wind farms in the UK, with a total of 19 turbines generating enough electricity for 20.000 homes. The project developer, Renewable Energy Systems, is a large global player in the development of large wind parks.
Project developer	Renewable Energy Systems
Start date	01-01-2003
Initiator	Renewable Energy Systems
Project owner	RES-Gen Ltd.
Actors who receive benefits	Local community and Renewable Energy Systems
Background information	RES is a major player in the renewable energy market with a global presence. The aim of the company is to increase its production, while maintaining strong support from the community. There are various schemes employed to enable this relationship, including extensive consultation rounds, job creation, eductional facilities and community funds.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Community fund Local contracting Local employment Indirect social benefits
Renewable energy source	Wind power
Application of BSM	Community fund: The Fund is divided equally between three community groups local to the wind farm, all of which are registered charities. The groups were chosen due to their proximity to the wind farm and following consultation with the local community and their representatives. Initiatives which recieved support from the fund are the creation of a new community riverside pathway and footbridge , entertainment activities for family fun days, summer schemes for local children as well as maintenance and running of community buildings. Local contracting: During the construction phase of the project, local contracters are used for provision of construction and civil staff, as well as security and catering personnel. These employment contracts are all on a temporary basis. Local employment: Maintenance and operational staff is employed locally. Indirect social benefits: The community requested tourist signage, a car park and a path to the turbine. This trail is published in promotional literatur for the area, namely Sperrins Tourism and Limavady Borough Council.
Impact of BSM of this project on socio-political level or market acceptance	The application of the community fund in Dungiven and Limavady, the communities closest to the wind park, has been an example in other projects undertaken in the UK with the use of a community fund. Having a working example gives great insight in future applications of such a BSM.
Planned production of MW by your project	37.7MW (planned)
Website	http://www.res-group.com/what-we-do/onshore-wind/our-wind-farms/uk--ireland-/constructed/altahullion.aspx

	Varese Ligure Sustainable Community
Name of the project	Varese Ligure Sustainable Community
Country	Italy
Description	The four windturbines of the Varese Ligure wind farm were the first installation in the Liguria Region and are amongst the first in Italy. Future plans involve the installation of two additional turbines in order to increase the production by approximately 4GWh per year. The wind farm is part of a 1999 Municipality plan, directed to make the town of Varese Ligure a leading sustainable rural community. The main goals are to reach 100% renewable energy consumption and 100% organic farming. At the moment the turbines provide electricity for 10.000 citizens whereas PV and hydropower systems as well as biomass plants cover the remaining energy needs of the population (2400 inhabitants).
Project developer	Centrogas Energia - ACAM Group SpA
Start date	31-12-2000
Total investment (€)	1.800.000
Financing sources	30% Regional Fund and 60% Private Fund (Municipal Agency)
Initiator	Local Authority Varese Ligure
Investor(s)	Municipal Agency Centrogas Energia - ACAM Group SpA
Project owner	Municipal Agency Centrogas Energia - ACAM Group SpA
Actors who receive benefits	Municipality of Varese Ligure and citizens indirectly
Background information	Since 2002, incentives for wind installations are based on a RES quota obligation for producers/importers of electricity generated from non-renewable sources and the issuing of tradable green certificates (TGCs). The 2009 Regional Energy Plan of Liguria Region sets the objective of 120MW of wind energy by 2015 and promotes a further increase of wind installations, which are now number 30 spread over 12 municipalities with 8 MW of installed capacity.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Local employment Indirect social benefits
Renewable energy source	Wind power
Application of BSM	Local employment: The ‘sustainable plan’ includes investments in renewable energy as well as setting up organic farming co-operatives and the renovation of the historical centre. It is estimated that 140 jobs have been directly or indirectly created by the sustainable policy, especially in the field of organic agriculture, tourism and tertiary services. Indirect social benefit: for the first period (2000-2009) , The Municipal Agency offered to the local authority cleaning services (such as cleaning of garbage bins) for a value of € 20.000 plus a direct payment of approx.€ 10.000 annually. The agreement has recently changed and it currently consists of annually fixed direct payment, with which the Municipality has been able to reduce taxes and/ or other municipal tariffs, benefitting the citizens.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	Strong and early commitment of the municipality toward sustainability which make the town an example for rural communities supported by a favorable national policy. Inclusion of the wind farm in a sustainable development policy which involved the installation of other renewable energy sources and the revitalization of the historical centre and the promotion of organic agriculture. Support offered by European, national, regional funds Active involvement of citizens in the decision making process
Roles of the different stakeholders	Local governments: A key role was played by the Mayor supported by ad hoc committee. The local authority has effectively planned a number of initiatives to shift the energy production towards renewable sources and to revitalize the local economy in a sustainable way. Developer: the developer had a particular interest to diversify its activities and become active in new fields such as renewable energy Local community: Positive and prompt answer of the citizens to the challenges of revitalizing and reinventing the local economy.
Difficulties which had to be overcome	The wind farm expansion of two more turbines has encountered opposition from a non-profit organisation, 'Italia Nostra', who has taken the municipality to court regarding the project's high environmental impact. The opposition was caused, in part, by the fact that this wind farm was one of the first in the region. The administrative court has recognised the municipality's right to proceed with the installation's expansion as a part of the italian- and municipality's engagement to respect the Kyoto targets. There has not been a high impact on the land nearby the wind farm. The land is leased, as before, for cattle breeding and the noise produced by the wind turbine has been measured to be less than produced by the 'natural' wind. Other non-profits, such as WWF, have expressed a favourable opinion towards the project.
Impact of BSM of this project on community acceptance	The wind farm and the shift on energy production have been greatly facilitated by the mechanism of consultation and the awareness raising initiatives set by the local authority. In addition, the need to revitalize the declining economy has surely played a role on the ‘willingness to change’ of the citizens. The results obtained by the first projects (wind farms and organic co-operative) helped on increasing the citizens trust on moving forward on the sustainability policy.
Planned production of MW by your project	3,200 KW
Website	http://www.acamspa.com/acamcentrogasenergia_vareseligure.asp

	Amareleja - the world's biggest photovoltaic power plant
Name of the project	Amareleja - the world's biggest photovoltaic power plant
Country	Portugal
Description	In Amareleja, in the interior region of Portugal which largest town is Moura, has been built by ACCIONA the largest solar photovoltaic plant in the world, with a 46MW peak and 10MW average with 93 KW-h per year. The site occupies 250hectares of land and the company owns 320 hectares total. Since 2008, the plant is fully operational and takes advantage of the feed in tariff established in Portugal. The labour was sourced mainly from local population and workers were trained on the job by the company as needed.
Project developer	ACCIONA Solar
Start date	30-11-2007
Total investment (€)	261 Million
Financing sources	Private investment
Initiator	AMPER Solar whose shareholders were Moura City Council (88%), Comoiprel (2%)Renatura Networks.com (10%)
Investor(s)	ACCIONA Solar
Project owner	ACCIONA Solar
Actors who receive benefits	Local community
Background information	The Decree-law 33_A of February 16th, 2005 modified the system of feed-in tariffs, establishing a new calculation system with a formula that takes the technology into account, as well as the environmental aspects and the inflation rate through the index of prices to the consumer. In 2007 a new tariff for emerging technologies, such as Concentrated Solar Power and wave energy, was introduced. ACCIONA acquired the total capital of Amper Solar that previously owned the rights to the installation.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Local employment
Renewable energy source	Solar energy
Application of BSM	Local employment: The creation of such a pioneering and substantially large project has created employment which was sourced mainly from local population. Workers were trained on the job by the company as needed. An average of 150 workers were employed on the site. A small company was also created in the region to carry out some of the panel assembly. This company continues to assemble PV components for external sale.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	Highly favorable national legislation with higher feed in tariff for CSP projects Favorable physical and socio conditions
Roles of the different stakeholders	A key role was played by the project developer who has successfully took up the initiative started by the previous society and has involved and trained local population in the construction process.
Planned production of MW by your project	64
Website	http://www.best-solar-energy.com/solar-energy/accionas-solar-plant-in-portugal/

	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

	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

	Estinnes
Name of the project	Estinnes
Country	Belgium
Description	The project consists of a pilot project to demonstrate the feasibility of the new class of "mega-turbine'. Specifically it is designed to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of the new 7MW turbine class which has the potential to significantly increase the productivity of onshore wind projects. The project, completed, will consist of 11 such turbines.
Project developer	WindVision
Start date	01-01-2000
Total investment (€)	120 million
Financing sources	Shareholder Equity (Developer) Subsidies Debt financing
Initiator	WindPark, WindVision, European Commission, WIP Munich
Investor(s)	Shareholder equity: WindVision, Enercon, Subsidies: European Union, Debt financing:
Project owner	WindVision, Enercon
Actors who receive benefits	WindVision, local community
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Community fund Compensation Benefits in kind Local contracting Local employment Indirect social benefits
Renewable energy source	Wind power
Application of BSM	Community fund: the use of public land for constructing the wind farm was prioritised offering yield-dependent rental payments to the municipality which can be used on new community projects. Compensation: both land owners and owners of neighbouring land (divided into 4 different zones) profit from the revenues of the wind farm, as long as their land is part of overall wind farm zone. Municipal roads which were used for transportation were improved and reinforced providing a better public infrastructure. Benefits in kind: as several unexploded bombs from World War II are still present in the area, wherever excavations are done a search for explosives is performed by specialists. This ensures no harm to the installation team but also removes future dangers for farmers and residents in the area. Local contracting: all soil works were contracted to local companies Local employment: Over 20 new jobs were created for continuous on-site park maintenance and operation. Part of these jobs are jobs for unemployed local people. These are manual labour jobs such as the cleaning of roads, cleaning green areas, etc. Indirect social benefits: the pilot character of the project and the enormous capacity of the turbines has generated a lot of interest from tourists and sector specialists. Tourism-related businesses such as restaurants are profiting from this increase in tourists.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	EU support: although small it helped significantly in reducing the margins on bank debt for a pilot project with a new technology. It also helped create credibility towards the project. Political support from the local authorities
Roles of the different stakeholders	Local authorities played an important role in the process as an intermediary between the developer and the local population. By lending their support for the project they increased the developer's credibility. Support from the neighbours living next to the development also played an important role, as the people 'impacted' the most by the development showed their support.
Difficulties which had to be overcome	The main difficulty with the project was due to its pilot character. There was no previous experience with turbines so large which raised concerns of landscape pollution, also for the neighbouring communities. It was necessary to create simulations of the visual impact and compare them to the impact of 'normal' wind turbines. A few residents backed by the protest group 'Vents-de-raison', who oppose large on-shore development, resisted the development and raised their concerns in an open letter to the European Commission.
Impact of BSM of this project on community acceptance	The equitable distribution of land rentals, not only to the owners of the land, but also to the neighbours helped create a broad base of support for the project. Also the increasing revenues of tourism to the site played a significant role.
Impact of BSM of this project on socio-political level or market acceptance	Noise had been a concern raised by some people of the community which led to the definition of allowable noise emissions in Belgium. Future wind developments will profit from the experience of this project.
Planned production of MW by your project	77
Website	www.7MW-WEC-by-11.eu

	Solar Park Rothenburg
Name of the project	Solar Park Rothenburg
Country	Germany
Description	A grid-connected 20,6 MW PV system was installed on the former airport area. It is one of the largest solar photovoltaic systems installed in Germany and has a surface of approximately 68 ha (the area required is around 2,9 ha per MW). The expected annual yield should exceed 20 GWh. Project development, project financing and project installation was realised by Gehrlicher Solar AG.
Project developer	Gehrlicher Solar AG
Start date	14-04-2009
Total investment (€)	60 million
Financing sources	Private capital of Gehrlicher Solar AG, private capital of the utility Munich (Stadtwerke München GmbH) and co-financing via banks.
Initiator	Gehrlicher Solar AG
Investor(s)	Gehrlicher Solar AG, private investor, Stadtwerke München GmbH
Project owner	Gehrlicher Solar AG, private investor, Stadtwerke München GmbH
Actors who receive benefits	The assiciation of communities Rothenburg Görlitz, local Airport
Legal background	In Germany the local network operators must pay for grid extension measures. These costs are then forwarded to the clients via network charges. For the investor the installation area must be classified as a 100% conversion area. Otherwise the feed-in tariff might not be paid after the system is operational.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Benefits in kind Local contracting Local employment Indirect social benefits
Renewable energy source	Solar energy
Application of BSM	Benefits in kind: the local airport was threatened with closure. As the PV park was built on land of the airpot it makes periodic payments for land use which together with business taxes allow the airport to remain operational. Local Contracting: During the construction phase of the PV park local contractors were employed for the instalment which are now employed for its maintenance. Local employment: the PV park created new jobs for operation and maintenance which are shared with the airport Indirect Social Benefits: as the airport can remain open thanks to the PV park, many existing jobs were preserved.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	Legislative factors played an important role, as the airport was designated a 'conversion' area leading to higher revenues to the local authorities and allowing the local airport to remain open. Political support also played a large role as the head of the district authority was the previous mayor of Rothenburg. He was aware of the financial problems the town was facing and significantly supported the project to secure funds to allow the airport to remain functional.
Roles of the different stakeholders	Head of district authority: as previous mayor of Rothenburg he provided a great level of support for the project, and helped work away bottlenecks.
Difficulties which had to be overcome	The local network operator was hesitant to make the grid connection with the PV park. The costs for the grid extension would have to be forwarded to its clients, and the higher the share of fluctuating renewables, the higher the charges which have to be asked from its clients. Also the area developed must be designated a 100% 'conversion' area to receive the correct feed-in tariff. The designation is often uncertain however, which creates difficulties for the developers during the planning phase.
Impact of BSM of this project on community acceptance	The fact that the construction of the PV park used local contractors, created local jobs and preserved old jobs in the airport helped create a broad level of community acceptance.
Planned production of MW by your project	20 MW

	Surano Nursery School
Name of the project	Surano Nursery School
Country	Italy
Description	The projects entails a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 819 kWp. The panels used are Suntech model stp230/20wd and have a capacity of 230 watt. The support structures are made of galvanized steel embedded in the ground directly without the use of foundations.
Project developer	Energia Progettazione Sviluppo Srl
Start date	22-08-2008
Total investment (€)	2'800'000
Financing sources	Private capital of Energia Sviluppo Sud Due Srl and co-financing from Gestore dei Servizi Energetici - GSE S.p.A. (GSE) via banks. GSE plays a central role in promotion, support and development of renewable energy sources in Italy. GSE’s sole shareholder is the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance which, in consultation with the Ministry of Economic Development, provides guidance on GSE’s activities.
Initiator	Energia Progettazione Sviluppo Srl
Investor(s)	Energia Sviluppo Sud Due Srl
Project owner	Energia Sviluppo Sud Due Srl
Actors who receive benefits	Local community, Enel SpA, Energia Sviluppo Sud Due Srl, Energia Progettazione Sviluppo Srl
Legal background	The Puglia region has a local law that facilitates the approval and construction of photovoltaic systems and lines of connection to the national grid. These simplified rules combined with large solar radiation typical of southern Italy making the plant very productive and convenient to be built.
Background information	The 'initiator' company (Energia Progettazione Sviluppo Srl) is based in Perugia (a city located in middle-south part of Italy), which is pretty close to Puglia and that has enabled developers to monitor projects in a very careful way.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Benefits in kind Local contracting Local employment Indirect social benefits
Renewable energy source	Solar energy
Application of BSM	Benefits in kind: the area where the plant has been built - about 3 hectares - was abandoned and no longer used for agriculture during the last 20 yeas. So the land dried up due to prolonged carelessness showing a predominance of limestone outcrops. Thanks to the PV plant construction the area has been reclaimed and an electric cabin for public use has been built allowing access to the site and then promoting the development of new industrial activities. Secondly, since technical rooms are prefabricated and internal streets are made of clay and gravel a minimum environmental impact has been guaranteed together with an easy restoring of the site at the end of production cycle. Local contracting: to build the photovoltaic plant temporary employment has been used. Local employment: once the plant started to be operative a stable opportunity of work for local people is guaranteed for the maintenance of the land and the photovoltaic plant as well as for surveillance of the area . Indirect social benefits: the land on which the photovoltaic system has been installed is owned by a charity organisation that can then relies on a direct benefit from the rent allowing the survival of both a hospice for elderly people and a nursery school.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	Legislative simplification of Puglia region regarding the installation of photovoltaic panels has been the guideline for the Italian national legislation. Moreover, the support from political side together with the local community involvement has been crucial.
Difficulties which had to be overcome	This type of plants are very well accepted in industrialized areas but hardly common in tourist areas.
Planned production of MW by your project	1'100 MW per year (planned)
Website	www.energiasviluppo.it

	Barba (Lecce) PV power plant
Name of the project	Barba (Lecce) PV power plant
Country	Italy
Description	This project entails a photovoltaic plant of 999 Kwp power, which has been built on a marginal land of 3 hectares that was not used for agriculture for more than 20 years. Each crystalline silicon module is Suntech model stp230/20wd with a power of 225 watt and it is anchored to a steel support directly driven in the land without cement foundations.
Project developer	Energia Progettazione Sviluppo Srl
Start date	20-03-2008
Total investment (€)	2'800'000
Financing sources	Private capital of Solare Delta and co-financing from Gestore dei Servizi Energetici - GSE S.p.A. (GSE) via banks. GSE plays a central role in promotion, support and development of renewable energy sources in Italy. GSE’s sole shareholder is the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance which, in consultation with the Ministry of Economic Development, provides guidance on GSE’s activities.
Initiator	Energia Progettazione Sviluppo Srl
Investor(s)	Solare Delta Srl
Project owner	Solare Delta Srl
Actors who receive benefits	Local community, Enel SpA, Solare Delta Srl, Energia Progettazione Sviluppo Srl
Legal background	The Puglia region has a local law that facilitates the approval and construction of photovoltaic systems and lines of connection to the national grid. These simplified rules combined with large solar radiation typical of southern Italy making the plant to result very productive and convenient to be built.
Background information	The 'initiator' company (Energia Progettazione Sviluppo Srl) is based in Perugia (a city located in middle-south part of Italy), which is pretty close to Puglia and that enabled developers to monitor projects in a very careful way.
Type of benefit sharing mechanism	Benefits in kind Local contracting Local employment Indirect social benefits
Renewable energy source	Solar energy
Application of BSM	Benefits in kind: due to carelessness this land had dried up showing many emerging rocks and thus it was considered unusable for modern agriculture. Moreover plenty of rubbish was present on the land. Thanks to the PV plant construction an old street has been brought back into use to access the site allowing fruition by everyone of an area of more than 200 hectares of which nowadays 30% is cultivated while another 30% has been destined to the PV power plant. Secondly, since technical rooms are prefabricated and internal streets are made of clay and gravel a minimum environmental impact has been guaranteed together with an easy restoring of the site at the end of production cycle. Local contracting: to build the photovoltaic plant temporary employment has been used to a mean of 15 local people for a period of three months. Local employment: once the plant started to be operative a stable opportunity of work for 4 people has been guaranteed for the maintenance of the land and the photovoltaic plant as well as for the area surveillance. Indirect social benefits: thanks to restoration of viability some typical agricultural buildings became available to everyone and that has increased the local tourism. Moreover, many people are used to come in this area for biking and playing battles with soft air weapons.
Factors which contributed to the success of the project	Legislative simplification of Puglia region regarding the installation of photovoltaic panels has been the guideline for the Italian national legislation. Moreover, the support from political side together with the local community involvement has been crucial.
Difficulties which had to be overcome	This type of plants are very well accepted in industrialized areas and hardly accepted in tourist areas.
Planned production of MW by your project	1'340 MW per year (planned)
Website	www.energiasviluppo.it