What is community ownership in Wind Energy?

What is community ownership in Wind Energy?

Community ownership is one way in which we can maximize the local benefits of renewable energy projects. By buying shares in part or all of a project local people directly benefit from the revenues raised.  Community-owned wind farms are much more common in countries such as Germany and Denmark, and have contributed to a greater public acceptance of wind farms in parts of Europe. Well-known community projects in the UK include West mill wind farm in Oxford shire, which has five 81-metre-high turbines and was the brainchild of organic farmer Adam Twine. Read more about it at www.foe.co.uk. West mill is 100 per cent community owned, began generating in March 2008, and is set to power the equivalent of 2,500 homes.