West Coast Energy recognises the importance of working with local communities to maximise the economic and social benefits of renewable energy generation to local areas where wind farms are proposed. The construction and operation of wind farm projects can provide much needed direct and indirect employment and we have a policy to try and ensure that local suppliers and contractors benefit from the wide range of construction related activities and associated expenditures required for such developments.
West Coast Energy also recognises the need for local communities to benefit financially from the generation of renewable energy and we have been involved in a range of initiatives and models to deliver such benefits to local communities across the UK. As a minimum it has been the established policy to provide funds to Trusts or Community Development Companies based upon the installed capacity of the wind farm. We have also worked with partners to form wind farm co-operatives to allow people to invest in green energy and more recently consideration has been given to the concept of community turbines whereby local communities can share directly in the revenue benefit from renewable energy generation.
Whatever the form of community benefit, West Coast Energy has a policy to ensure that the funds are legally provided for the life of the wind farm and that the right form of delivery mechanism is in place to ensure that all sections of the community can benefit from their 'local' wind farm.
West Coast Energy sees great benefit in working with local communities to establish community involvement in our wind farm projects and is actively seeking partnerships to facilitate such developments.
