Ørsted is dedicated to being an active partner in the communities where we develop, build, operate and own green energy assets such as onshore wind farms.
In Scotland, we offer a community benefit programme committed to supporting communities close to our wind farm sites. We’re keen to support local community projects wherever we can.
A community benefit agreement is in place for Kennoxhead Wind Farm, which consists of all of the Phase 1 turbines, and six turbines of Phase 2. This agreement is with Douglas and Glespin County Council and Coalburn County Council and agrees to £3,500 per installed megawatt annually over the lifetime of the project. In addition, there will be funding available to local communities via the separate South Lanarkshire Administered Renewable Energy Fund (REF). Over the coming year, we will look to agree a memorandum of understanding for the remaining turbines in Kennoxhead Phase 2.
We are committed to consulting and engaging with the people who live and work near our projects.
Community Liaison Groups (CLGs) have been established for communities across Kennoxhead Wind Farm Phases 1 and 2 to ensure that the proposed development involves local people, takes account of their views, and explores opportunities to create long-term economic benefit. Orsted communicates regularly with the communities of Douglas Glespin and Coalburn in South Lanarkshire and Muirkirk in East Ayrshire.