People and communities across Caithness in Scotland are set to benefit from a new £3.75m community fund created by ScottishPower Renewables’ Halsary wind farm.
The 30MW, 15-turbine project, which came into operation in July 2021, generates enough clean energy for the equivalent of almost 20,000 homes and was built by ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) specifically to support the green energy needs of Tesco.
In line with SPR’s commitment to supporting the communities around the wind farm and being a sustainable developer and good neighbour, the Halsary Community Benefit Fund will provide £150,000 each year for the next 25 years – delivering almost £4 million for local people and communities.
The three community council areas closest to the windfarm site – Halkirk and District; Latheron, Lybster & Clyth; and Watten – will each directly receive £30,000 per year for projects and initiatives chosen by local people for the benefit of local people.
A further £60,000 will be available annually through the Caithness Community Fund, which is open to groups from all across Caithness including the three closet community councils as well as Berriedale and Dunbeath; Bower; Caithness West; Castletown; Dunnet & Canisbay; Sinclair Bay; Tannach & District; Thurso; and Wick Community Councils.
Stuart Mills, Vice-Chair of Halkirk and District Community Council, said: “ScottishPower Renewables’ community benefit is an important part of the overall package supplied by the renewables developments in the Caithness area.”