A NEW community benefit fund has been launched to support areas near a major wind farm off the East Lothian coast.
Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) became fully operational last month and consists of 54 turbines generating up to 450MW of electricity – enough to power about 375,000 homes.
The community benefit fund, valued at £6.75 million over 25 years, will distribute £270,000 annually to support nearby communities for the lifetime of the project.
Owned by EDF Power Solutions UK and ESB, the NnG project is prioritising communities most affected during construction for the first three years, including East Lammermuir, the coastal areas of Berwickshire, and the East Neuk of Fife.
Piero Maggio, director of asset operations at EDF Power Solutions, said: "We have worked closely with the communities around NnG for a number of years and we are proud to now launch the community benefit fund for the project.
"It is another significant milestone as we look to continue our commitment to supporting the communities who have played a key role in and around the project.
"The fund will ensure that the communities benefit for the 25-year lifespan of the wind farm, which builds on the high-quality, local jobs based at our operations and maintenance base in Eyemouth and the continued support for local community projects."
Foundation Scotland, a community foundation charity, has been appointed to manage the fund, develop its strategy and engage with local communities.
In May, the organisation held discussions with community groups to explain how the fund will operate and explore ways for residents to benefit.
Rachel Searle, head of communities and impact at Foundation Scotland, said: "As Scotland’s most experienced community benefit administrator, we’re delighted to be able to bring our knowledge, learning and expertise into NnG’s community benefit fund.
"Community benefit practice for offshore wind farms is evolving, and EDF Power Solutions UK and ESB are at the forefront of emergent and innovative practice.
"Together with NnG and local communities, we’ve sought to balance the principles of prioritising communities most affected by the project whilst also taking account of differing community contexts.
"We are building on established and trusting relationships already in place with some of the communities, and making sure NnG funds complement community plans, ambitions and other local funding.
"That’s why we’ve designed a combination of different community benefit arrangements within the NnG community benefit fund, which will evolve over time."
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