RWE, the UK’s largest power generator and leading renewable energy company, has unveiled its 2024 Community Fund Report at a Westminster Parliamentary reception, shining a spotlight on the remarkable impact of its community funds on towns and villages across the UK. The annual report showcases how RWE is not just shaping the UK’s energy future, but also investing in the people and places that power it.
At the core of RWE’s renewable wind farm projects are community funds designed to bring real, lasting benefits to the regions surrounding them. Over the past two decades, RWE has invested £44.7 million into UK communities – a testament to its commitment to fostering sustainable local development and resilience through collaboration.
These funds, delivered annually for the operational lifecycle of projects and adjusted for inflation, are unique because they are led by the community, for the community. The funds are locally managed and community-driven, empowering residents to invest in projects that are specific to their local needs and make a difference.
In 2024 alone, RWE’s community funds invested £6.1 million directly into local areas, while also securing a further £7.5- million in match-funding. This year’s impact is as inspiring as it is wide-reaching, including:
- 47 jobs created and 122 safeguarded, helping secure economic stability.
- 937 volunteering opportunities, connecting people in meaningful ways.
- 1,789 educational and training opportunities, fostering personal growth and skills development.
Funding in action:
- Building community wealth and creating a long-term legacy - Watten Shop is located in the heart of a small rural village in Scotland. The closure of the local shop was devastating to the community. In response, the Watten Shop Group emerged, a volunteer-led initiative set out to not only save the shop but transform it into a community-owned hub. RWE Camster Wind Farm’s community fund support of over £90,000 provided the much-needed thrust, covering legal costs, wages, stock, and enabling a smooth lease transition while orchestrating the purchase.
- Upgrading community assets - Llangfelach Scout Group – secured a grant from RWE Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm Community Fund, which has enabled them to secure and enhance their outdoor space, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of their facilities. The new secure perimeter fence and access gates, along with the safe clearing of the grounds, have unlocked a wealth of outdoor opportunities for the scouts.
- Improving health and wellbeing - Angle for the Community is a grass roots Community Interest Company, aiming to harness the mental health benefits of angling and finding a reconnection with nature. Just a small grant of £800 from RWE Humber Gateway Community Fund has enabled Angle for the Community to buy essential equipment, meaning sessions are more accessible and can be offered to more young people.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: ”I’m pleased to support the launch of RWE’s community fund report, which showcases the real and lasting difference clean energy projects can make to communities. If you host clean energy infrastructure, your community should see benefits.
“We've set out plans to ensure communities hosting new or upgraded pylons save on their energy bills, and are seeking views that would require developers pay into a community fund for community centres, sports facilities or investment in education schemes.
“We’re backing our proud industrial and coastal communities, ensuring local people not only benefit but thrive from clean energy through our Plan for Change.”
Tom Glover, RWE UK Country Chair, said: “Delivering clean energy is at the heart of what we do, but one of the real highlights of 2024 has been seeing the great, positive impact our projects have on local communities. This year, I’m proud to share that our community benefit fund contributions have reached over £44.7 million. These achievements wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the local volunteers who lead the direction and decision making of our funds. Their insight, passion, and lived experience ensure the support we offer delivers meaningful, lasting change where it’s needed most.”
With projects managed and driven by local voices, RWE ensures its environmental innovation goes hand-in-hand with social impact, creating a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come. To learn more about RWE's community funds and the impactful projects supported by RWE see online and to download the full report click here and videos here.
Images for media use are available at the RWE Media Centre (credit: RWE).
