An Argyllshire housing co-operative is to build a new three-turbine
wind-power station that will generate £15.6 million of community and
charitable benefit over the next 20 years.
The 6.9 megawatt power plant will produce enough clean energy to power
around 4000 households for Fyne Homes.
The community benefit funding will be distributed equally to three
community initiatives:
One third will support social housing charitable objectives led by Fyne Homes
One third will support charitable employability and environmental
priorities led by Fyne Futures, and
One third will be invested in local priorities identified by the local
community.
Glenbarr residents will also be encouraged to be involved in developing the
local investment strategy.
The project has been assisted by the Scottish Government, as part of a
pilot to develop renewable income for reinvestment in affordable housing
and community priorities. Existing examples of community renewables, such
as Islay Energy Trust and Tiree Community Development Trust, have
demonstrated the value of wind energy generation for community benefit.
This project offers the opportunity to deliver Community benefit on a
greater scale than the financial model estimates.
Colin Renfrew, chief executive, Fyne Homes, said: “The long term income
from this developoment will ensure that we can continue to reinvest in our
charitable objectives for social housing, local employment and
sustainability, as well as providing investment for local priorities.”
The £11.4 million development at Auchadaduie, Glenbarr in the Kintyre
Peninsula was initially conceived 10 years ago by Alan Hobbit of the Isle
of Gigha Heritage Trust.
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