have examined assumptions underlying the promotion of community energy projects: firstly it is assumed that members of the public are willing to take on the role of participant in local renewable energy developments, finding it more attractive than the role of protestor. It is also assumed that the participation experience may increase individuals’ understanding of sustainable energy issues, leading to their acceptance of other renewable energy developments, including large-scale projects, and more active consumption of renewable energy e.g. switching to green electricity tariffs or installation of domestic renewables. Some evidence that community energy projects may have this type of influence was found in the evaluation of the Community Renewables Initiative and a 2-year academic study of the policy and practice of community renewables