Benefits
Dealing with Energy Issues
The need for more renewable energy sources is greater than ever. Climate change, fast rising power prices and fears over security of supply have put the issue of energy high in everyone’s mind. National and regional authorities acknowledge that renewable energy is an important solution to meet the challenges of our modern lifestyle and its high energy demands.
Communities
Infinergy believes that the local community should benefit from the development of a wind farm. For instance, a wind farm that moves to the construction stage can create opportunities for local contractors. Furthermore we are keen to support the community on local initiatives. Therefore we would like to assist setting up a trust fund which will be managed by local authorities and community members. The final details of the fund will be negotiated with the local community, South Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government. Infinergy will advise the fund management with the feedback we will receive from local residents through public consultation. Infinergy will donate £2,750 for every constructed MW from the project to the fund yearly. In the case of 50 MW and a lifetime of 20 years, this amounts to £2.75m on community benefits.
During the public consultation Infinergy will be keen to discuss with local people their views on initiatives that could benefit from the community fund. Based on past experience funds have been used to support:
- Small local schools in need of additional funds
- Renewable energy initiatives
- Environmental projects for schools
- Helping local organisations and institutions to achieve sustainable standards
- Funding for youth schemes and village halls
Tourism
In the shorter term, during construction, the tourist sector will benefit from a large workforce that will need to be catered for locally.
In the longer term, tourism in the area will benefit from increased walking possibilities. Infinergy is committed to working together with the relevant authorities to provide new tourist walkways over the wind farm area. One of the ideas that we want to discuss is a new walking route with a Renewable Energy theme, for ramblers to enjoy the beautiful South Carrick countryside while at the same time learning about Renewable Energy and experiencing State-of-the-Art Wind Turbine Technology.
Ecology
Infinergy is keen to explore any ideas about the improvement of habitats on or near the wind farm site and upon consent Infinergy will make additional funds available for this purpose.