Exploring the Benefits to Caithness of Renewable Energy Developments
Spittal Hill Wind Farm Ltd is delighted to host a public exhibition, which will follow the submission of an addendum for the wind farm development to the Scottish Government. The exhibition will provide an update on the wind farm proposals and also outline potential plans for the development and delivery of locally based projects, including an experimental archaeological centre. It will also outline plans for the delivery of a Caithness-wide community benefit fund, which renewable energy providers in the area could pay into. Feedback on these proposals is welcomed. The exhibition will be held at Caithness Horizons, Old Town Hall, Thurso on: Wednesday 2nd December from 12pm until 7.30pm and Thursday 3rd December from 10am until 7.30pm. Spittal Hill Wind Farm Backed by Norwegian company, Statkraft, Europe's largest generator of renewable energy, the proposed wind farm on Spittal Hill comprises 30 turbines with a combined capacity of 75MW and is likely to bring a number of benefits to the local community, including c.£150,000 per annum of community benefit and the creation of jobs and inward investment opportunities. Development and Delivery of Existing Projects Spittal Hill Wind Farm Ltd strongly supports the development of locally based projects. These include a proposed experimental archaeological centre, consistent with other heritage centres in the county, including the 'River of Stone' programme. Representatives of these schemes will be on hand to answer any questions with feedback welcomed. Community Benefit Fund The exhibition will also highlight a number of options for dealing with community benefit from the development, including an annual payment to the community council, annual payment to a separate community trust, ownership of turbine(s) by the community and local people becoming share-holders. The issue of a possible Caithness-wide community fund will also be explored, with renewable energy developers paying contributions into a single pot which could be administered by local people.
27 November 2009
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