A NEILSTON windfarm has become the centre of national attention after
starring in a movie on renewable energy.
Friends of the Earth Scotland last week launched a new film documenting
some of the best examples of community owned and operated renewables from
across Scotland including the Neilston Community Wind Farm.
The windfarm, opened a year and a half ago by Depute First Minister Nicola
Sturgeon has since won numerous awards, and has paved the way for similar
community projects across Scotland.
Friends of the Earth Scotland community power campaigner Anne Schiffer
said: “Community groups across Scotland are leading the way in moving from
dirty fossil fuels to harnessing our vast renewable energy potential. This
film shows how ordinary people have made this journey, celebrates local
success stories and will hopefully inspire others to start their own project.”
She continued: “Community energy has the power to transform people’s
relationships with energy from passive consumers to active, successful
producers. Community Energy puts people at the heart of a just transition
to renewable energy.“
In the film, Alan Walker of the Neilston Development Trust praises their
project, stating: “Rather than the money from the wind farm just going to
the developers and large companies, it’s actually going to the community
itself.
“The money from the wind farm over the next few years will help with
regenerating the village centre.”
The film will be launched as part of a European event with local government
associations and energy agencies examining the potential for roll-out of
community energy in Scotland.
This event takes place during UK Community Energy Fortnight which provides
an opportunity for the public to explore and celebrate how communities are
generating, owning and saving energy.
Anne Schiffer continued: “This week we have seen global leaders yet again
fail to deliver the commitments needed to avert dangerous climate change
but this film shows Scottish citizens taking matters into their own hands
and reaping the benefits of choosing a clean energy future.”
She concluded: “Community energy increases support for renewables and gives
power back to the people by reducing their reliance on the big energy
companies and allowing them to share in the benefits for a generation.”
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