Community Benefit
Wind2 would make an annual contribution £5,000 for every megawatt of installed capacity during the period of operation to a local community benefit fund. On the basis of a 52.8MW project, this would amount to a community benefit fund with an equivalent annual value of £264,000 or £7.92 million over the life of the project. Wind2 will look to tailor the community benefits package offered, based on feedback from the local communities, with a view to contributing tangible benefits.
Wind2 has committed to offer a ‘near neighbour electricity contribution scheme’ for residents living nearby the proposed development, as part of the community benefit package. The applicant is looking at two potential options for a ‘near neighbour electricity contribution scheme’:
• Option 1: Electricity Bill Contribution Scheme; and
• Option 2: Home Energy Efficiency Grant.
Option 1 could see residents living within proximity of one of the proposed wind turbines receive up to a £400 contribution to their annual home electricity bill. If this option is selected the qualifying property would receive this payment annually in arrears based on actual energy bills. New build properties and approved plots would also be eligible.
Option 2 could see residents of properties within proximity of one of the proposed turbines capitalise the electricity bill contribution, converting this to a single lump sum of £4,500 to fund or part fund measures to improve the energy efficiency and decarbonisation of their home. The cost of these measures would be reimbursed up to a maximum value of £4,500 upon presentation of receipts, covering all eligible works submitted in a single claim.
In addition, the Kirkton Energy Park is proposed to become part of the Octopus Energy Fan Club programme, whereby they would receive a discount of up to 50% on the unit price of the electricity they use while the Kirkton Energy Park turbines are generating. The precise area around Kirkton which will be compassed by the Fan Club will be the subject of consultation with the local communities.
Community Share Ownership
Wind2 would look to explore potential models for part community share ownership of the proposed Kirkton Energy Park whereby the community can purchase up to 10% of the value of the project.
A variety of community share ownership structures, in line with the Scottish Government’s Good Practice Principles, will be explored and discussed over the next few months with the Farr North Community Development Trust. The Farr North is the Community Development Trust for the Parish of Farr including Forsinard, Melvich, Portskerra, Strathy, Armadale, Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra.
Further information regarding community ownership is available at: www.localenergy.scot