Powering progress: how communities can embrace renewable energy in the UK

As the UK moves closer to its net zero targets, renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and battery storage are becoming more important than ever to reach our ambitious goal. While national support for clean energy remains generally high, local planning applications often face opposition. Concerns about landscape impact, disruption, technology, or limited consultation can lead to delays or refusals. 

To meet climate goals and energy demands, we need more infrastructure, and we need it to happen at a pace. That requires local communities to feel informed, involved, and confident in the benefits. 

 The challenge ahead 

The UK has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. To achieve this, we must rapidly expand the use of renewable energy sources. Wind and solar now provide around 40% of our electricity, and battery storage is becoming essential to manage supply and demand. 

These projects rely on planning permissions, and even well-designed schemes can face resistance if communities feel overlooked or left behind. 

 Many local objections stem from real concerns. These can include: 

• Visual or environmental impacts 

• Noise or disruption during construction 

• Uncertainty about long-term use of the land 

• Perceived lack of benefit to the community 

• A feeling that decisions are made without them
  
• Lack of understanding or misinformation around the technology being used or safety concerns.

The result of these concerns is often slower delivery, reputational risk, and, in some cases, refusal at the committee stage. A stronger focus on engagement can make all the difference. 

So what does good community engagement looks like?  

1. Start early
   The best time to engage is before formal plans are submitted. Early conversations can help shape better proposals and reduce objections later on. 
2. Be honest and open
   Clear, straightforward information builds trust. Communities don’t expect perfection, but they do expect honesty about impacts and benefits. Address the issues.
3. Listen, don’t just present
   Engagement should be two-way. Giving residents space to ask questions, raise concerns, and feel heard is key.
4. Show local benefit
   People are more likely to support a project if they can see how it helps their community. This could mean local jobs, support for community facilities, or discounted energy for nearby homes.
5. Explain the wider impact.
   Connecting a local project to national goals, such as energy security or climate resilience, helps people see the bigger picture and feel part of something positive.  

The Communities teams at Cratus believe in working with communities from the very start. Our team supports energy providers to deliver engagement that is genuine, inclusive, and effective.

We focus on building trust, understanding, and shared ownership of the journey to net zero. When communities feel involved from the start, projects are stronger, smoother, and more sustainable. We already know renewable energy is a vital part of the UK’s future. But delivering it at scale will depend on winning hearts and minds at the local level. 

By engaging early, listening carefully, and showing real community value, we can create projects that people are proud to support.