Argyll and Bute public urged to show support for renewables

[7 November 2005]

Alloa-based renewable energy company GreenPower will launch GreenFutures, its community ownership initiative, for the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm at exhibitions to be held next week. People in Argyll and Bute will be given the opportunity to register their support for community ownership at forthcoming public exhibitions or over the internet.

GreenFutures

GreenFutures is the first initiative of its kind by a Scottish renewable energy company. It will present a unique opportunity for local people to benefit financially through co-ownership of one or more of the wind farm's turbines and sharing in the income generated.

Rob Forrest, Managing Director of GreenPower, said: “People have asked us how they could benefit personally from Carraig Gheal Wind Farm; GreenFutures is our answer. It is designed to ensure that local people benefit directly while being just one of many positive economic bonuses that Carraig Gheal could bring to the wider community. However, the support of the local community is essential to enable us to put the GreenFutures initiative into practice, so we are calling people to register now for GreenFutures, to demonstrate their interest in community ownership and the future”.

The public will be able to view the amended application, which has seen a number of changes to the original plan following consultation with local government and public consultees, at the exhibitions.

GreenPower is keen to involve the local community in its projects and would like as many people as possible to find out more about GreenFutures, to ensure that they will benefit from Carraig Gheal by making their voices heard.

Carraig Gheal Wind Farm is situated on Fernoch Farm, owned by the Leitch family, who have farmed in this area for generations. The Wind Farm will generate up to 60 megawatts at peak capacity, providing power for up to 51,000 homes and reducing carbon emissions by as much as 164,000 tonnes per year. Carraig Gheal Wind Farm will make up to 2% of the UK 's Renewables Obligation target for 2010 and between 5% and 6% of Scotland 's target.

The public are invited to register their interest at the public exhibitions at Portsonochan Hall on November 14 and at Taynuilt Village Hall from 11am to 8pm.

If you interested in the GreenFutures community initiative please provide us with your details....click Here