Sharenergy has launched a community energy project focused on farm-scale wind turbines in Wales and Scotland called the Small Wind Coop.
The company said the project offers people the chance to support three community turbines: one at Troed y Bryn in Ceredigion in Wales and two at Wemyss Bay, Inverclyde in Scotland.
The Small Wind Coop also allows members to use the energy generated by the turbines in their homes and businesses, if they sign up to Co-operative Energy’s “User Chooser” tariff.
It offers investment through bonds, which have a return of 4.5% and will be repaid after six years, and shares, which offer a projected average annual return of 6.5% over 20 years.
Shareholders are also entitled people to become members of the co-operative and have a say in how it is run, Sharenergy said.
The project will generate a £3000 a year index-linked community fund for 20 years at each location, to support local projects bringing social, economic and environmental benefits to the area.
Sharenergy community renewables adviser Leila Sharland said: “This could be one of the last chances to join a community wind cooperative following recent changes in government support.”
Troed y Bryn farmer Aled Davies said: “Farming has become increasingly hard. We wanted a wind turbine on the farm to keep us going for the next generation
“A community-based turbine will generate income for the farm, for the village and everybody who becomes a member.”
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Farm scheme seeks local heroes
Small Wind Coop set up to allow investment in three small turbines
By EBS