U.S.-based renewable energy developer Invenergy will provide £14 million in community benefit funding over the 35-year operational life of its Pencloe wind farm in East Ayrshire, the company said on Monday.
The funding commitment is part of a legal agreement signed with The 9CC Group, a community organisation representing the Cumnock and Doon Valley area. The agreement includes an initial £400,000 advance payment in two instalments, with £70,000 allocated specifically for local apprenticeships.
Invenergy has already distributed the first £200,000 tranche, supporting initiatives such as the expansion of the CORE Community Electric Car Club into New Cumnock and the Doon Valley. Funding has also gone toward improving community facilities, including New Cumnock Working Men’s Club, Glenafton FC and New Cumnock Bowling Club.
“As a long-term partner to the communities we operate in, Invenergy is fully committed to the Cumnock and Doon Valley neighbourhood,” said Stuart Winter, vice president and UK country manager at Invenergy. “We recognise that wind farm benefit funding decisions should be made collectively and democratically by those communities, for their communities.”
The Pencloe wind farm consists of 18 turbines with a total installed capacity of 81 megawatts (MW). The project will deliver £5,000 per MW annually to the community, amounting to more than £400,000 per year over its lifespan.
Invenergy has submitted an application to add five turbines to the site, which would increase the annual contribution accordingly if approved.
Stephen McCarron, chief operating officer at The 9CC Group, said the agreement was the result of close collaboration. “We have worked closely with Invenergy, who have sought to go beyond industry Good Practice Principles and deliver significant funding for our communities from the outset,” he said.
Alex Baird, chair of The 9CC Group, added: “Invenergy’s commitment to our communities goes far beyond any legal or statutory requirement and will make a huge difference both in terms of creating a lasting legacy and for funding so many of the wonderful local groups who are making a positive difference.”
