RWE’s Clocaenog Forest wind farm in North Wales has officially launched its £19m community fund and announced the first successful applicants from the surrounding communities.
The fund is directly linked to the company’s 100%-owned Clocaenog Forest wind farm.
The 96MW project, constructed near Denbigh, will support the community investment fund throughout its 25 years operational lifetime.
Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC) is independently managing and administering the fund on behalf of local communities in the area of benefit, within the counties of Conwy and Denbighshire.
The 37 turbines at Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm will add to RWE’s UK portfolio of around 2200MW of renewable generation capacity in offshore wind, onshore wind and hydro.
Tanya Davies, head of onshore development UK and Ireland, said: “RWE ensures that it works closely with local communities throughout the development of renewable projects; to ensure there is a long standing benefit from the delivery of its projects to the local area as well as the environment.
“This funding is targeted, flexible and locally-focused, and presents a fantastic opportunity for the communities that live nearest Clocaenog.
“Thanks to the management of the CVSC and with direction from a locally recruited panel this fund is designed to enrich and enhance the lives of people nearby.”
In the last month, the first awards from the main fund have been allocated to local communities and projects.
These include Llannefydd Community Hall for upgrades to create a multifunctional, comfortable building that is energy efficient.
Llanrwst Juniors, which has made a successful application for a ride-on lawnmower for the club.
The football club has over 120 members from the Conwy Valley.
Y Ty Gwyrdd has received a grant to support the development of a new Community Benefit Society that is opening new facilities at the old Barclays bank premises in Denbigh town.
Llanferres Community Council has secured funding for improvements to a playing field and orchard area to make it safe to use, and more inclusive for all.
Denbigh Town Football Club has been awarded funding for a project to carry out the installation of a new drainage and irrigation system and a new grass playing surface.