Legislative Mechanisms for Local Community Ownership and Investment in RE Infrastructure'

Project Description

Tipperary County Council have acknowledged that investment opportunities exist in Tipperary across the full spectrum of renewable energy (RE) resources including biomass, wind, hydro, solar and geothermal. It is furthermore noted that a key objective of the White Paper for Energy 2015 is to 'develop a framework for how communities can share in the benefits of substantial new energy infrastructure that is local in their area' and 'Examine shared-ownership opportunities for renewable energy projects in local communities'. Growth and investment in RE is highly dependent on externalities such as legislation, investment and finance, local community acceptance, expertise and government supports and incentives. There is currently little opportunity for local communities make an investment in energy projects if they so wish. It is considered that large-scale RE projects should give rise to opportunities for investment and financial return for local communities. In line with the White Paper, this research proposal will investigate potential for local investment in RE projects for both rural and urban communities. This research will seek to enhance the capacity for community ownership and investment in RE through mechanisms underpinned by legislative provision.