Course: BFM 101 Biofuels Fundamentals

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Community Participation in Renewable Energy Develo…
Tools for Community Engagement in Bioenergy Develo…

Involvement versus Decision-making
Involvement versus Decision-making

Some may argue that broad public involvement is time consuming and unnecessary for the development of renewable energy generating or processing facilities. These worries are well founded — engaging the public is time consuming work. It is important to note that while certain permits must be obtained and regulations followed, private sector firms do not need the consensus of the community to invest in an initiative. However, the involvement of the public may benefit the development and sustainability of renewable energy facilities. Placement of facilities can be contentious, and the way decisions are made, the way the energy is produced, and the relationships between the facility and the public can all affect the ultimate success of the facility and influence the  market and support for the product. It is wise to listen to the concerns and ideas of invested community members, and to design approaches to development that are considerate of the many perspectives, concerns, and interests of the people who will ultimately support the business. By embracing and managing the issues surrounding renewable energy development, communities increase their odds of successfully developing the types of projects that make sense for the community, the environment, and the local economy.

Community decision makers often play a role in determining appropriate land use, as determined by land use plans and zoning codes.  Local residents serve on planning boards and commissions and can actively promote or actively oppose projects.  To support a bioenergy project, local leaders can provide incentives with a suite of community-based tools, including:

- Helping to provide infrastructure related to the project;
- Helping to obtain project financing through grants, loans, or other avenues available to municipalities for economic development;
- Encouraging local utilities to pay a premium for locally produced bioenergy products;
- Committing to purchase a portion or all of the bioenergy production itself for municipal use; and
- Providing project coordination or facilitation support.

Resources provided by the eXtension Farm Energy Community of Practice at http://www.extension.org/ag+energy

Community Participation in Renewable Energy Develo…
Tools for Community Engagement in Bioenergy Develo…