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.
Power Shift – articles from our partners
Speculating on the Wind in the Hebrides
Published in partnership with The Herald As commercial windfarms are being lined up for development …
How Shetland Turned Division into £72m of Community Benefit
Published in partnership with The Herald THE KEY to a successful community benefit fund from …
Renewable developments: Highland communities demand more planning democracy
Published in partnership with The Herald “It seems [Scottish Ministers Alastair Allan and Gillian Martin] …
Carsphairn Seeks Balance Between Renewable Development and Rural Life
Published in partnership with The Herald Tucked between the Rhinns of Kells and Cairnsmore of …
The Scottish Beacon: A Collaborative Approach to Telling Scotland’s Local Stories
As someone who founded an independent, hyperlocal publication – Greater Govanhill magazine – I know …
The Power Shift: Renewables, Communities and the Question of Who Really Benefits from Scotland’s Green Energy Revolution
Published in partnership with The Herald As the world leaders gather in Brazil, to discuss …
From the Just Transition’s National Summit
Scotland’s Just Transition Commission held a major national summit in Edinburgh this week, with the …
Kinlochbervie wind farm row raises questions over transparency – not turbines
Locals insist they’re not against renewables, but say their voices were silenced over how the …
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 …
Understanding the impact of man-made structures on the marine environment
How manmade structures are affecting marine life is to be researched by an international team …
Grasping the opportunity of Scotland’s renewable revolution
The Power Shift is a new project connecting independent media outlets to share knowledge and …
Is the current planning system for renewables sidelining communities?
“It seems [Scottish Ministers Alastair Allan and Gillian Martin] are completely detached from the reality …
Repowering: Communities at the heart of Scotland’s renewable future
Trying to keep up with the constantly evolving government policies aimed at mitigating climate change …
