Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm has celebrated its 10th anniversary by launching a new five-year fund to help community organisations in Lowestoft and the surrounding area.
The £50,000 Greater Gabbard Community Fund will provide donations of £1000 to help small constituted local groups near to the Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm operations and maintenance base in Lowestoft.
The fund will support community projects which enhance the quality of life for residents and promote community spirit.
The areas eligible to apply for funding from the initiative include Lowestoft, Carlton & Whitton, Carlton Colvillle, Gunton & St Margarets, Harbour & Normanston, Kessingland, Kirkley & Pakefield, Lothingland and Oulton Broad.
The fund builds on the social impact the wind farm has created in the local area over the last ten years including providing enough green energy to supply 400,000 homes and through the creation of 100 operational jobs, including 10 apprenticeships.
Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm is equally owned by SSE Renewables and RWE, who together are also jointly developing an extension to the wind farm called North Falls.
The funding decisions will be made by a panel of representatives, which includes local businessman John Best. Best has a wealth of voluntary sector experience in the local area and is a champion for young people and skills development through both his work as a STEM ambassador, and his role creating intern opportunities for local students.
“Energy is fundamental to everything we do, whether we work in the industry or are served by the industry,” said Best.
“Through energy we are all connected. I am delighted and encouraged by a new programme being launched by Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm to provide funding for local initiatives over the next five years to support and make a difference to individuals and groups within the community.”
MP for Waveney, Peter Aldous, added: “I welcome this investment from Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm in Lowestoft and its surrounding communities.
“This £50,000 commitment comes at a very challenging time for local community organisations and I would urge groups to get their applications in early to see if they can get some support for the excellent work they’re doing for some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in our local area.”