How to support renewable energy projects in your area
Much needed renewable projects are often blocked by local opposition. You can make a big difference to their chances of success by lending your support.
Essential advice on how to get involved and help your local project through the planning system.
Want to support a project near you?
We can help you get active and get the message to the right people.
Examples of the way we have previously helped support local campaigns are:
- Hosting a web page in support of a project. It can be a useful tool to communicate your campaign and target your local decision makers. Current examples can be seen in our press for change actions.
- Contacting local Friends of the Earth supporters by email to make them aware of the local campaign. See an example special Enews edition.
- A postal mailout to national Friends of the Earth supporters on behalf of the local Friends of the Earth group.
To discuss these ideas get in touch with Nick Rau, Friends of the Earth's Renewables Campaigner by email or call 020 7566 1714.
Please bear in mind that we cannot guarantee our support for every project. We strongly recommend you read the Supporting Renewable Energy Projects briefing and thoroughly assess the project first.
Want to set up your own renewable energy project?
Check out a case study of the first community-owned hydro power scheme in the UK in New Mills, Derbyshire, established with the help of High Peak Friends of the Earth.
Hydro: Our ‘How hydro power works' page has more info to help you check out the hydro resource where you live.
Wind: Energy4all have also produced a step-by-step guide for communities who want to build their own wind farm. It addresses all the practical aspects of identifying potential sites and key issues of concern.
Renewables East Power Pack
A guide to renewable energy and your community. Although targeted for the East of England this great pack can be used universally. Includes a score sheet to assess how suitable renewable energy might be for your situation.
Campaigning materials
To order copies of the materials below please contact Tom Wright by email or phone 020 7566 1673.
A Bright Future
Friends of the Earth's technical report which demonstrates how renewables and CHP could meet up to 65% of UK electricity demand by 2020. A handy reference to counter the critics.
Wind Power: your questions answered
Hugely popular booklet making the case for windpower, and answering some of the most common questions. Updated in 2007.
Wind Power in the UK DVD
A comprehensive and very watchable overview of windpower. A great educational resource to send to councillors and other decision makers. Available free from Friends of the Earth.
Wind Power in the UK
A detailed assessment of the case for wind power, technical report, 176 pages.
Online resources and information
Yes2wind website
Practical advice on how to support wind power (though the tools and tactics can be used to support any technology). Includes discussion groups and an interactive map of proposed and existing wind farms.
RESTATS renewables database
Information on the status of renewable projects across all technologies, for the whole of the UK. Includes proposed and commissioned projects. The site has an interactive map, lists planning status and gives in-depth project details such as landscape designation.
Planning Renewables Energy News
An excellent one-stop-shop for information on renewable energy policy, renewable technologies, and planning tools. Also offers a subscription to regular planning updates.
Public Engagement Protocol for Wind Energy Development
A report produced for the Renewables Advisory Board and the Government - on how to engage the public when planning new wind farms.
Delivering Community Benefits
from Wind Energy
Development: A Toolkit
Part of the same suite of materials produced for the Renewables Advisory Board and the Government - on how to deliver community engagements with wind farm developments.
Key planning documents
Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development
Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy
PPS1 Supplement: Planning and Climate Change
Important new planning guidance.
PPS 22 Planning for Renewable Energy Companion Guide
Practical advice on how renewable planning policy should be implemented, with a technical annex covering whole range of renewable energy technologies.
A lighthearted look at the wind debate
This short video from The Daily Show takes a humorous look at a common theme.
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