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.
The existing Novar Wind Farm already generates an annual community fund of £20,000, which is shared between, and managed by, the communities of Ardross, Alness and Kiltearn. The extension, when completed, will add substantially to this community fund, which goes towards helping projects that benefit the local community.
To date the existing Novar Community Fund has supported a wide range of local groups and activities. Some of these are listed below:
- Gala Days
- Firework Displays
- Beach cleaning
- Floral Displays
- Christmas Lights
Also Community Grants including:
- Kiltearn After School Club
- Evanton Scouts, Brownies and Rainbows
- Black Roack Rovers FC
- Alness Really Marvellous Entertainers
- Evanton Playgroup, Thursday Club and Youth Enterprise
- Alness United Football Club
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.
Construction of the existing Novar Wind Farm in 1997 cost some £16million. Of this, approximately £3.5million was spent with Scottish companies and the site employed around 45 people. It is expected that construction of the Novar Extension would benefit the local economy in much the same way.
For the wider discussion on the benefits of renewable energy and wind power please go to the 'Why Renewables?' page.
Local Benefits
