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 are taken from the revenue of the wind farm and are passed to local communities annually for the life of the wind farm, usually around 20-25 years. Community funds could be used to secure match funding from other sources increasing the local benefit. At Lochelbank we expect to operate a similar community scheme.
Local Economy
Construction of the wind farm presents opportunities for local economic benefit and employment. Whilst we must follow current legislation and go through a competitive tender process for each part of the works, it is normal to expect that local suppliers and contractors with appropriate skills will be well placed to win some of these contracts. npower renewables actively encourages such local businesses to come forward and identify areas of expertise that would be of value to us.
The capital investment of the project is in the region of £10 million with a predicted annual expenditure of £150,000. As such there is considerable opportunity for local economic benefit through employment during construction, and expenditure on supporting goods and services that can be supplied by local businesses.
Local Benefits
