Wind Turbine Boost for Scottish Communities

[May 29th 2005]

A new initiative which would allow community ownership of part of a proposed wind farm is being launched today (Monday, May 30) by Scottish renewable energy company GreenPower International.

The Alloa-based firm is launching GreenFutures, a new community initiative – the first of its kind by a Scottish renewables company – for its proposed Little Law wind farm in the Ochil Hills near Auchterarder, Perthshire.

The GreenFutures programme is set to boost local communities by enabling ownership of one of the proposed wind farm's 14 turbines and receiving income generated from that turbine. GreenPower would play an active role by operating and maintaining the turbine on behalf of the community. The community around the Little Law site could be the first to benefit.

Robert Forrest, Chief Executive, GreenPower, said: “We're very excited about GreenFutures as it allows individuals to be a part of GreenPower's wind farm projects. It is the logical extension of our long term commitments to working with the communities around us.

“GreenPower's wind farms would offer many benefits, not just environmental, but also income through GreenFutures, short and long-term jobs, opportunities for local businesses and our direct investment in local communities.

“By owning a turbine the local population could not only reap the benefits from an ethical investment, they could also play an important part in helping to reduce carbon emissions and save the environment. The Little Law wind farm alone could reduce carbon dioxide emission by up to 89,000 tonnes a year.

“The European Union and the Scottish Executive are committed to combating climate change through the use of renewable energy. GreenFutures is a real opportunity for local communities to play their part in combating climate change and this truly makes it an investment in the future. It is a real chance for people to think globally by acting locally.”

The proposal for the wind farm, which could generate up to 42 Megawatts annually, is currently being considered by Perth & Kinross Council.

GreenPower is committed to community liaison, consultation and investment. The company holds extensive public consultations and exhibitions of its plans and also hosts trade seminars, provides community funds, and has sponsored the Best Community Initiative award at the Green Energy Awards for the past three years.

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