Community Fund
npower renewables has delivered a range of community benefits in association with its operating wind farms. These measures benefit those communities living closest to each wind farm, and have to date included energy efficiency measures, schools education programmes, local event sponsorships, equipment for schools, youth groups and sports clubs, and repair works to village halls and other community buildings. Community funds can be used to secure match funding from other sources helping increase the local benefit.
At Causeymire, the fund will be some £55,000 per year rising with inflation. There will also be a capital payment of £300,000. A Company to be established by Halkirk Community Council will administer the fund. How to apply for funding will be advertised locally upon establishment of the fund. If the additional three turbines are built, this fund will increase to a lump sum payment of £450,000 plus an increase in the annual payment to more than £63,000 representing the increase in the capacity of the site.
Local Economy
At Causeymire the capital investment for the project was in the region of £70 million. In addition to the wide range of companies and consultants employed during the planning application process, roughly 80 people were employed during the construction process. Some of the local companies involved during construction are listed below:
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Edward Mackay Ltd, Civil Engineering
Brora, Sutherland
- A & D Sutherland, Local Quarry
Spittal, Caithness
- John Gunn & Sons, Civil Engineering
Lybster, Caithness
- Hydro Contracting, Electrical Engineering
Evanton, Ross-shire
- A & W Sinclair, Quarry,
John O'Groats, Caithness
- Simpsons Cranes, Crane Supply
Wick, Caithness
- Wick Harbour, Turbine Deliveries
Wick, Caithness
- Nortec Engineering, Site Management Services
Wick, Caithness
Local Community
