During the 22nd World Wind Energy Conference (WWEC), the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) officially released the Guidelines for Community Engagement in Wind Energy Projects. The guidelines provide a structured and actionable framework to support constructive engagement between wind projects and local communities across both onshore and offshore developments worldwide. Windey Energy Technology Group Co., Ltd. (“Windey”), the only Chinese enterprise involved in the drafting process, was invited to attend the launch together with global wind industry partners and international organizations, marking a key milestone in advancing the sector’s sustainable development.
As the first international guidelines in the global wind industry dedicated specifically to community engagement, the document is built on the core principles of inclusiveness, transparency, and contextual adaptation. It sets out community engagement requirements across the full project lifecycle - from feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments to operation and decommissioning. The guidelines address essential practices such as early and continuous dialogue, equitable benefit-sharing, protection of vulnerable groups, respect for cultural heritage, and effective grievance redress mechanisms. They also include targeted guidance for offshore wind projects, with particular attention to coastal communities and fishing communities. Throughout the drafting process, Windey contributed practical experience drawn from China’s wind power development, emphasizing the integration of local priorities - including employment opportunities, infrastructure improvement, and expanded access to clean energy - into project planning. This approach supports the transformation of wind farms from standalone energy assets into long-term partners that contribute to local economic and social development.
Windey’s participation in the formulation of these international guidelines reflects the growing role of Chinese wind power companies in global energy governance and sustainable development discourse. A Windey representative commented, “The long-term success of wind power projects depends on trust-based, mutually beneficial relationships with local communities. We appreciate the global collaborative platform established by WWEA, which brings together diverse regional experience and translates the concept of responsible community engagement into actionable international standards.”
Windey has long regarded community-friendly development as a core principle of its project strategy. In particular, the company has explored integrated development pathways in rural wind projects that combine green energy development, ecological protection, benefit sharing, and industrial upgrading. These practices align closely with the guidelines’ emphasis on respecting local context and shared value creation, providing solid, experience-based support for Windey’s engagement in international rule-setting processes.
Looking ahead, Windey will leverage the release of the guidelines to further embed community engagement principles into its global project operations and ESG management framework. The company will also continue to strengthen collaboration with international organizations and industry partners to help advance the global wind industry toward higher-quality, more inclusive, and more sustainable development.
