Scotland is at the forefront of a green energy revolution, with wind farms, solar projects, and other renewable developments transforming landscapes and communities. But who really benefits from this shift – and who is being left behind?
The Power Shift is a collaborative investigative journalism project bringing together reporters from across Scotland to explore how land use is changing, who holds the power, and what this means for communities on the ground.
With support from the Tenacious Journalism Awards, we’ll be digging into key questions such as:
- Community benefits – Where is the money from green energy projects going, and is it reaching the people who need it most?
- Land ownership – How is the renewable boom influencing who controls the land?
- Absentee landlords & developers – Who’s making decisions about energy projects, and how much say do local communities really have?
- Environmental & social impact – Are green energy projects truly sustainable, and what unintended consequences are they bringing?
- Power & influence – Who are the key players shaping Scotland’s energy future?
Through in-depth reporting, a dedicated podcast series, and cross-community collaboration, we aim to shed light on these issues and amplify voices from across the country.
Project Articles
Grasping the opportunity of Scotland’s renewable revolution
The Power Shift is a new project connecting independent media outlets to share knowledge and …
Scottish Community Coalition on Energy release a Manifesto for Community Renewables
The response to the rising unrest about the experience of the onshore renewables industry in …
Energy in Shetland: what’s next for the islands?
People will get the rare chance to hear from a range of energy developers in …
The ‘Hebridean wind rush’: A growth opportunity for global corporations but not community-owned energy?
A Hebridean wind rush is gathering momentum. But as global corporations secure space on the …
The Power Shift: voices from rural Scotland on the renewable energy rush
Scotland is in the grip of an energy revolution. Across the country, wind and solar …
MSPs and MPs agree to push for a “much-needed” debate in Holyrood and Westminster about renewable energy in Highlands
Held at Kingsmill Hotel, Inverness on Tuesday 12th August, the convention was attended by delegates …
Statkraft submits third application for Giant’s Burn wind farm near Dunoon
A planning application for the Giants Burn wind farm on the Cowal Peninsula has now …
Call for new wind farms to be community-owned
All new wind farm developments should be community-owned, a Scottish Parliament committee heard this week. …
Open letter to John Swinney calls for immediate moratorium on wind farm developments
Local campaign group Sustainable Shetland is one of the signatories of this open letter to …
Is the current planning system for renewables sidelining communities?
“It seems [Scottish Ministers Alastair Allan and Gillian Martin] are completely detached from the reality …
