Local ownership schemes have been key to increasing Germany’s windpower to 3000 megawatts annually (UK 400MW). They not only reduce local opposition to windpower schemes but also build a sense of community and greater awareness of environmental issues.

Around 79% of wind projects in Denmark are locally-owned. Two successful UK local ownership schemes are:

The Baywind Energy Corporation, where 43% of the investors are local, and the Co-operative Bank set up a scheme to help potential investors save to buy a stake - minimum £300, maximum £20,000 (Furness Business Park, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 2DF)

The Dyfi Eco Valley Partnership, where local people will build a 30kW turbine and sell electricity to the nearby Centre for Alternative Technology and the national grid (DULAS, Unit 1, Dyfi Eco Park, Machynlleth, Powys, Wales 01564 705000 email: dulas@gn.apc.org.