Windfarm developers and shale gas companies need to better engage with local communities when developing onshore energy projects, according to an industry expert.
William Craig, a senior law lecturer at Robert Gordon University, said the energy industry needed to learn from its mistakes after creating resentment among communities.
Many windfarms had been thrown together and ill conceived, often with too many turbines, creating much of the anti-wind sentiment, he warned.
“The industry should be looking at what best practices should be, rather than just kneejerk their way into a bribery scenario,” he told Energy Voice.
“It’s not just a question of throwing more money at it.”
An example was the UK Government’s suggestion earlier this year that English communities should be given £100,000 for allowing unconventional gas production in their area, he said.
Scotland had an opportunity with its different legislative background to not make the same mistakes made down south, such as the mass protests against unconventional gas extraction in Balcombe, West Sussex, during the summer, said Mr Craig.
His warning came as a forum of stakeholders including wind developers, energy companies, government officials and academics was launched in Aberdeen.
The new body, which will be led by RGU’s newly formed law school, aims to devise policy for social engagement when developing onshore energy projects.
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