Working with communities

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When you have a wind or solar farm in your community, you can benefit in many different ways.

At EDF Renewables UK, we are committed to being good neighbours and supporting the communities where we’re located.

Benefits to our communities
Education and Skills
Working with suppliers
Preserving and enhancing the natural environment

In your community

Our sites benefit local communities throughout their lifetime. Support comes from creating new jobs and education and skills, boosting the local economy, developing the local infrastructure and environment, and providing direct community investment.

GOOD FOR JOBS

HELP FOR SCHOOLS

BOOST THE LOCAL ECONOMY

ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE

We believe in making a positive impact and look to maximise the benefits through every stage of the project, from development through to construction, operation and beyond.

Through our flexible community benefit funds, we support local initiatives and projects that can address pressing needs and promote strong, sustainable communities. Our educational outreach work, graduate and apprenticeship programmes aim to empower the next generation.

We work closely with local businesses including hosting supply chain events that highlight opportunities and support economic growth and collaboration within the community. We also prioritise environmental enhancements, implementing sustainable practices and initiatives. Our aim is to always aim to leave the land in the same, if not better condition than when we first arrived on site.

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The benefits to our communities

To support communities near our renewable energy sites, each of our operational projects have a dedicated fund to spend on the needs of the community.

Communities decide for themselves how they want to spend their funds. These might be small-scale, one-off investments (e.g. a school gardening project) or larger renovation projects (e.g. repairing a war memorial). The size of each fund depends on the size of the wind or solar farm and how much energy it produces.
As part of this we use a third party to administer the funds at arms’ length so that it remains impartial and fair.

During 2023, some of the monies have gone towards developing community facility through measures to improve energy efficient; helping people learn new skills and find work; increase storage facilities and improve access and car parks at a local community group. Other included a £10,000 annual donation to fund RNLI’s Blyth live-saving service and £75,000 toward the Borders ice rink to secure its future.

Community funds

Community Investment

We work with our communities to offer investment opportunities on our projects. This will vary depending on the project. Search our list to see if there’s community fund near you; who’s it’s managed by and how to find out more information.


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Education and Skills

Inspiring our future workforce

At EDF Renewables UK, we are proud of our educational outreach work with schools and colleges across the country to highlight the array of careers available in the sector.

We also run apprenticeship and graduate programmes which are an ideal way to learn as you earn and launch your career in the sector. It allows people to stay in their local area whilst learning and gaining valuable experience.

Our apprentices get hands on experience working across our service centres and sites whilst gaining valuable knowledge from our expert teams and learning at college at the same time. As well as wind turbine technician apprenticeships we also have environmental apprenticeships running.

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Award-winning Destination Renewables

In Wales we are a lead partner in The Pembrokeshire College award-winning ‘Destination Renewables’ programme inspiring and educating the future green energy workforce. To date over 100 16-18 year olds have engaged with the programme.

The programme gives students an insight into renewable energy technologies, (onshore and offshore wind, solar, wave and tidal), a project development lifecycle and to hear first-hand from professionals. It the first programme of its kind in Wales and continues to reach new heights and challenge boundaries.

Working with suppliers

We work with a wide range of suppliers to provide the technology we need, engineering expertise and specialist services. During the development of a site we use local companies – wherever possible – to ensure the local community benefits from our work.

Where possible we employ local companies and people to work for us on projects and supporting local economies through using local businesses such as accommodation providers and caterers.

We also hold supply chain events regularly around our projects to get to know those around our sites and publicise opportunities.

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Preserving and enhancing the natural environment

At EDF Renewables UK, we are committed to improving biodiversity and leaving a positive impact on the land and seas where we work.

Our approach involves working closely with local communities to understand their specific desires for habitat enhancement.
With the assistance of specialist consultants, we create unique and tailored habitat management plans that consider the site’s location and wildlife.

Our commitment

Our commitment to biodiversity extends beyond the construction phase, and continue throughout operation to ensure the long-term sustainability of our projects. Join us in our mission to protect and enhance our natural environment for future generations.

Renewable energy and the environment

Renewable energy offers significant benefits to both the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis.

At Dorenell wind farm the team are continuously carrying out surveys and wildlife tracking all year round; adapting the habitat plans and working with local groups.

We have invested in the Dorenell Ranger Service to maintain the site, but also to educate local people and promote responsible access and enjoying the outdoors. In 2023 the teams engaged with 500 people of all ages and backgrounds through schools and events educating them about the benefits of renewable energy and giving an insight into the wildlife and habitat in the area.

At both Corriemoille and Dorenell we have carried out management and restoration of blanket mire, alpine and boral heaths and made the environment more favourable for wildlife such as otters, bats, water vole and pine martins.

Another measure included slowing or preventing the active erosion of peat is estimated to save a further 31.5 tonnes of CO2eq per year at Corriemoillie.

We have tree planting programmes for some of our sites too. – at Corriemoillie for example we planted 200,000 during the construction of the wind farm.

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If you would like to find out more about any of our work, are interested in becoming a supplier or want to discuss renewable energy for your business please get in touch.

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