The Future Energy Landscape approach is transforming how local renewable energy policy is developed across England and Wales.

Below are four illustrations of how FEL bridges the gap between local communities and local and national policy-making. Our workshops have helped communities all around the UK including Wellow, Wales, North Somerset and South Downs.

By involving people in shaping their local renewable energy future, we’re not just meeting targets – we’re building a sustainable, community-backed renewable energy sector.

The Future Energy Landscape of…

Mid Wales

CSE worked with the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales to deliver FEL workshops in six communities in Mid Wales, including in two secondary schools. The insights gained from these community engagements informed suggestions to the Welsh Government on how to:

• Enhance Wales’s capacity to efficiently deliver renewable infrastructure.
• Meet renewable energy and zero carbon targets.
• Effectively involve communities in the process.
• Ensure that the value of these developments benefits the country.

Future Energy Landscapes directly influenced policy recommendations. We proposed that the Welsh Government introduce new legislation in the next Senedd to promote greater community ownership of renewable energy projects. Additionally, we suggested policies requiring renewable energy developments to offer community ownership opportunities.

North Somerset

We partnered with North Somerset Council to conduct FEL workshops in three areas across the region. Our aim was to understand community preferences for future renewable energy development and to help the council create policies that reflect community values. It was also to inform the council’s emerging planning policies for renewable energy projects.

This project demonstrates how FEL can help local authorities develop renewable energy policies that are both ambitious and aligned with community preferences. By involving residents in the planning process, we’re fostering greater acceptance and support for renewable energy projects, even in sensitive landscape areas.

The process delivered the following:

• Increased local support for renewable energy.
• A broad acceptance that even sensitive landscapes could host renewable energy developments.
• Policy suggestions based on options that garnered local support.
• Detailed insights into the specific renewable energy options that participants found acceptable.

The findings from our North Somerset workshops are available in our report here. 

The findings from our Bath & North East Somerset workshops are available in our report here.

South Downs National Park

The South Downs, renowned for its beautiful rolling chalk hills, might seem an unlikely place for renewable energy development. However, our FEL workshops revealed lots of support for sustainable energy solutions in this cherished landscape.

CSE is helping Energise South Downs to independently run FEL workshops in 10 communities across the region. Feedback after the workshops revealed that 90% of participants felt that the workshops positively influenced their perception of renewable energy. And 95% agreed that community conversations about renewables were valuable.

The process delivered the following:

1. Collaborative approach: participants appreciated being asked to envision their community’s energy future.
2. Instant feedback: we provided real-time data on how different energy models could meet local needs.
3. Empowerment: the workshops helped residents believe in the possibility of community-led change.

Wellow

We interviewed Marchelle who was a participant in a workshop in Wellow. We asked her about the workshop, here’s what she said:

This project shows that with the right engagement approach, even communities in sensitive landscapes can become enthusiastic supporters of renewable energy.

If you want to to speak to someone at CSE about Future Energy Landscapes, email us today.