Benefits
Dealing with energy issuesThe need for more renewable energy sources is greater than ever. Climate change, increasing power prices and fears over security of supply have put the issue of energy high in everyone’s mind. National and regional authorities acknowledge that renewable energy is an important solution to meet the challenges of our modern lifestyle and its high energy demands.
CommunitiesInfinergy believes that the local community should benefit from the development of a wind farm. For instance, a wind farm that moves to the construction stage can create opportunities for local contractors. Furthermore we are keen to support the community on local initiatives. Therefore we would like to set up a trust fund which will be managed by local authorities and community members. Infinergy will donate revenue from the project to the fund. Typically this amount is up to £2,000 per megawatt installed per year.
It is intended that this fund will be managed by the communities around the wind farm. Therefore it will be up to the local residents to decide how the money is best invested back into the surrounding area. A proposal for setting up this fund, along with the planning application for the wind farm itself, will be submitted early next year.
During the public consultations, Infinergy will be keen to discuss with local people their views on initiatives that could benefit from the community fund. Based on past experience funds have been used to support:
- Small local schools in need of additional funds
- Renewable energy initiatives
- Environmental projects for schools
- Helping local organisations and institutions to achieve sustainable-standards
- Funding for youth schemes and village halls
