Local Benefits
RES seeks to be a power for good in the communities that neighbour its projects by working openly and constructively to ensure tangible local benefits.
Some of the most direct and meaningful benefits that can be delivered from a wind farm proposal like Killean are jobs and employment for local businesses and contractors, in addition to the use of local services and amenities, all of which can generate a significant amount of inward investment within the area.
We also believe that onshore wind should provide direct, lasting benefits to local communities. RES takes a tailored approach and collaborates directly with the community to understand how the wind farm could support the local area and help to secure long-term economic, social and environmental benefits. This approach will help to deliver a tailored community benefits package, should the project receive consent, which is aligned with the local communities’ priorities.
Tailored community benefit package
RES is proposing a tailored package of benefits for the community from the Killean Wind Farm that would be worth £5,000 per megawatt (or equivalent) of installed capacity per annum, or a total of £14.85 million (or equivalent) over the 50-year operational lifetime of the project. This package could include RES’ innovative Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS) - please see below for more information on LEDS.
Should the project receive consent, the area of benefit for Killean Wind Farm will be determined in consultation with locally elected representatives from the closest communities.
LEDS
Our unique Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS) seeks to deliver direct and tangible benefits to people living and working closest to RES’ operational wind farms. Developed in response to research and feedback from local communities around RES' operational wind farms, LEDS offers an annual discount to the electricity bills of those properties closest to a participating wind farm. The scheme would be open to all residential, business and community buildings with an electricity meter (including schools, places of worship and village halls) within the eligible area.
If LEDS is something that you are interested in as a potential part of a tailored community benefits package at Killean Wind Farm, or if you would like more information, please let us know.
Involving the local supply chain
RES is committed to ensuring that, wherever reasonably practicable, local contractors and employees are used in all aspects of wind farm development. The major opportunities arise during the construction phase when suitably qualified local firms are invited to bid for various aspects of construction, such as foundation laying and electrical works. Construction materials are normally sourced locally (i.e. within the county) and local transport and plant hire companies used wherever possible.
The Killean Wind Farm, if consented, is predicted to deliver around £5.9 million of inward investment to the local area in the form of jobs, employment and the use of local services during development and construction.
RES is keen to hear from local businesses who may be able to offer skills and services to Killean Wind Farm. Please contact us if you are a local business and would like to know more about opportunities for the local supply chain.
The case studies below help demonstrate RES’ commitment to working with the local supply chain and maximising inward investment opportunities wherever possible on its wind farm projects:
Freasdail Wind Farm, Argyll and Bute
RES' Freasdail Wind Farm on the Kintyre peninsular in Argyll and Bute was commissioned in March 2017. Consisting of 11 turbines, the 22.55MW project has injected £6.34 million into the Argyll and Bute economy through working closely with the local supply chain - with £4.21 million being spent with local contractors, £1.56 million on local materials, £0.36 million on local supplies and services and £0.21 million on local accommodation.
Meikle Carewe Wind Farm, Aberdeenshire
RES' Meikle Carewe Wind Farm near Netherley in Aberdeenshire was commissioned in July 2013. Consisting of 12 turbines, the 10.2MW project injected £1.1 million into the Aberdeenshire economy during the construction phase. Contracts were set up with local hotels and cleaning companies and all of the stone and concrete used during the construction process was sourced from local suppliers, with local drivers delivering materials to the site. The balance of the workforce at Meikle Carewe lived locally during the working week, creating significant revenue for local accommodation providers. For the 25 year lifetime of the project RES anticipates spending locally in the region of £6.7 million, of which £3.3 million will be paid to the local council in business rates.
Glenchamber Wind Farm, Dumfries and Galloway
RES' Glenchamber Wind Farm near New Luce, Kirkcowan and Glenluce, was commissioned in October 2016. Consisting of 11 turbines, the 27.5MW project delivered a considerable £8 million of inward investment and employed 45 local people during construction leading to upskilling of the local workforce.
A tailored community benefit package could include RES’ innovative Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS) which offers an annual discount on the electricity bills of those properties closest to the wind farm.
Partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
In February 2024, RES announced its partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to support a minimum of 60 students through their Student Development Fund.
Created with the aim of helping UHI’s students to further their personal development, the fund empowers them to gain new skills, raising their aspirations, whilst also helping to build their confidence. It does this by providing financial support to students to overcome barriers to participate in learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities. RES has committed a total of £60,000 to UHI’s Student Development Fund over the course of the next three years.
In 2024 alone, RES has pledged £20,000 to 23 students providing them with the best possible opportunity to maximise their talents and future careers.
Read more here.
