Communities across Scotland are now receiving £5million a year from windfarm operators.
The industry body Scottish Renewables said it was “fantastic” local areas were receiving the money and predicted the figure would be much higher as more developers signed up.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “It is clear to see the huge benefits that windfarms, and the renewable energy sector, are bringing to communities across Scotland.
“As well as providing jobs and employment opportunities for our people, they provide a huge boost for our economy.
“Industry figures show that Scotland’s renewable energy sector has attracted £2.8billion of investment in Scotland since 2009.
“This government is focused on supporting the growth of local and community ownership of renewable energy so that communities can share the rewards of Scotland’s vast natural resources.”
Community benefit schemes included the Falck Renewables Wind development at Boyndie, near Banff, and the vento ludens windfarm at Muirake Farm, near Cornhill.
Scottish Renewables encourage every windfarm developer to provide some sort of community benefit, whether via a cash grant or other means. The amount was revealed in a register set up by the Scottish Government.
Joss Blamire, senior policy manager for Scottish Renewables, said: “It’s fantastic to see that onshore wind developers are working directly with communities to provide local causes in Scotland with more than £5million in voluntary funding every year.
“We believe this figure will be much higher as we encourage every developer to sign up their schemes and as new schemes become operational.
“It’s hard to imagine any other industry being able to offer anywhere near this kind of commitment to local communities.”
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: “If Scotland is to meet its 100% renewable ambition, it’s vital that, where possible, local communities are given the opportunity to benefit too.
“One benefit we’d like to see more of in Scotland is direct ownership of wind turbines by communities. Such schemes have helped drive the roll-out of renewables elsewhere, so it’s only right we do the same.”
