We aim to go above the minimum regulatory requirements regarding engagement with affected communities, as we believe these engagements are essential for securing and sustaining the social license necessary for advancing renewable energy development. To ensure that our decisions reflect the perspectives of affected communities, we engage proactively with community stakeholders and local organisations and seek ongoing dialogue with them, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in our decision-making processes. This approach is being integrated across our business functions, markets, and asset projects. Engagement occurs at various frequencies and at various stages of a project. Our aim is to initiate early dialogue during the planning phase to gather the insights and concerns of the affected communities. This takes place through e.g. our community liaison officers and project staff employing different types of interaction, such as public meetings and consultations to facilitate open communication. When we employ community liaison officers in our projects, they often come from the communities we engage with, helping us gain a profound understanding of the local contexts. We continue this dialogue through the development, construction, and operation phases of our renewable energy assets.

We actively work to implement initiatives that foster community development in consultation with communities to best address local needs. Involving local communities in the planning and development phases of renewable energy projects allows us to address their concerns, align our activities with community interests, and promote shared benefits, such as job creation, economic development, and enhanced community well-being. For instance, we provide education and upskilling programmes to develop competences in renewable energy technologies through community benefit funds. This enables community members to gain employment in our projects or the wider renewable energy industry, generating local jobs and fostering innovation. Additionally, we invest in community infrastructure to enhance public facilities and improve living standards, such as the Grimsby Youth Zone in the UK.