Marine Energy Wales’ Consultation Response to ‘CoMMUNITY Benefits and Shared Ownership of Low Carbon Infrastructure’

We recently submitted our consultation response to the UK Government’s ‘Community Benefits and Shared Ownership of Low Carbon Infrastructure’ working paper.

The working paper sought the views on potential mandatory community benefits for low carbon energy infrastructure, and shared ownership schemes.

Marine Energy Wales supports the principle that communities should benefit from the development of low carbon energy infrastructure. We welcome the UK Government’s ambition to create a consistent, transparent framework for community benefit provision.  

However, we caution against a one-size-fits-all approach. Our sector comprises emerging technologies with high capital costs, long development timelines, and elevated risk profiles. Policies relating to community benefit funds and shared ownership must reflect these realities to avoid undermining project viability or delaying deployment.  

In this response, we:  

• Support a flexible, proportionate approach to community benefit funds, aligned with project scale and technology maturity  
• Advocate for tailored thresholds and exemptions for emerging technologies  
• Caution against mandating shared ownership in high-risk sectors, while supporting appropriate benefit models  
• Emphasise the need for inclusive, place-based community engagement and practical implementation support  

Our recommendations aim to ensure that community benefit policy supports, rather than hinders, the growth of strategically important marine renewable projects; unlocking investment, delivering innovation, and securing long-term value for communities across Wales and beyond. 

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