Friday, October 21, 2011
A major partnership between West Coast Energy, Inverness College
UHI and the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) has been
announced today. West Coast Energy has pledged to provide an
additional community benefit from their proposed wind farm near
Daviot to the south of Inverness, of £4,000 per MW of installed
capacity which amounts to funding of £130,000 per year to go
towards education and training in the region, should the wind farm
be approved.
The money would be used to work in partnership with Inverness
College UHI and the University of Highlands and Islands in two
important areas: improved access to technical and vocational
education for students in the Highlands and making it possible for
more students to study University level courses in the Highlands
without having to leave the area.
West Coast Energy's wind farm project in Daviot will shortly be
submitted to the Highland Council for determination. In
addition to the proposed strategic educational initiative, West
Coast Energy is committed to the principle that local communities
should directly benefit financially from the generation of local
renewable energy. As such, the company is offering the opportunity
for the local community to participate in the wind farm project by
including a community turbine in their proposals.
Commenting on the partnership, Steve Salt, Planning and
Development Director of West Coast Energy stated; "West Coast
Energy is committed to the development of the renewables industry
in the Highland Region and shares the aspiration of the Highland
Council to make a major contribution to the development of
renewable energy capacity in Scotland. Inverness College and
the University of Highlands and Islands have a major part to play
in the development of this new economic opportunity and we
recognise the importance of ensuring there is funding available for
the development of green energy skills."
John Spencer, Principal of Inverness College, stated; "We are
delighted to be entering into this exciting partnership with West
Coast Energy. The Highlands are fast becoming one of the centres of
renewable excellence in the UK, and it is important we have the
skills and training on offer so people can remain in this area and
can benefit from the opportunities available in this expanding
industry."
Fiona Larg, Secretary of the University of the Highlands and
Islands, added; "We believe this funding will address a need in the
Highland area, and allow people to reskill or upskill and become
part of this burgeoning industry. The funding will provide an
excellent opportunity to help students get on the first rung of a
career in the Renewable Energy sector, and will benefit the region
enormously by providing training and opportunities we might not
otherwise have."
