Each renewable energy project is different, and so are the communities nearby. Our work is informed by listening to local knowledge. This helps us to deliver and manage better projects, and identify the benefits that are meaningful for the area.
At Vantage, we aim to build constructive, long-term partnerships with the communities hosting our energy infrastructure. Throughout each project's lifecycle, we focus on clear communication, thoughtful planning, and understanding local perspectives.
We engage through public consultations and local discussions, listening to community feedback as we refine project designs, environmental plans and community benefit proposals.
We aim to minimise disruption and keep communities informed as our projects progress. We provide timely information on site activities, maintain a point of contact for questions, and work with local suppliers where practical.
We remain active long-term partners, investing in tailored community benefit funds and ensuring open lines of communication across the lifetime of the project.
Community benefit is about more than financial contributions. It's about supporting projects and initiatives that matter to the people who live and work in the communities around our sites.
Around our operational projects, we have contributed to community benefits that support locally led initiatives. Through this, we have delivered positive impacts on the issues that matter most to the local area.
We work with trusted, independent community partners to make sure our community benefit funds are accessible, transparent and focused on local priorities. Partners such as SECAD, Grantscape, Community Foundation Northern Ireland and Foundation Scotland bring specialist experience in community development, fund management and work alongside communities to deliver lasting local impact.
Vantage contributed around £1.4m to local communities around our projects in FY24.
Our community partners
In line with local priorities, our community benefit funds support:
Projects with lasting impact on the social and environmental challenges that matter most to communities.
Improving access to education in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Supporting community-led projects that build sustainability and environmental resilience.
Enhancing local biodiversity and improving community access to nature.
Exploring opportunities to use community benefit funds as match funding to attract other sources of support.
Helping local projects and voluntary organisations build capacity and thrive for years to come.
This fund was established in 2018 to benefit the local communities around Whiteside Hill wind farm. Each year an index-linked amount of at least £135,000 per year is paid into the fund for the operating life of the wind farm. The fund is run with administrative support from Foundation Scotland.
This fund supports the Whiteside Hill Education and Training fund which provides bursaries to residents in the local areas to help them access training and education opportunities. Awards of up to £1,500 are available to cover a range of costs including course fees, travel, specialist equipment or childcare.
Stories of local projects, partnerships and community support.
