North East Somerset – the UK’s first Renewable Energy Action Area?
Case Study: Fintry Development Trust
A Wind of Change in Central Scotland
Fintry is a rural village of around 500 people in Scotland. It is unconnected from mains gas
and many households struggle to pay their high energy bills.
In 2006, plans were made by an outside developer to construct a 14-turbine wind farm on
adjacent land to the village. Four local residents lead the community into negotiations
with the developer with regards to constructing an additional turbine to be owned by the
community. After an extensive community consultation, the local council felt satisfied that
this was a well-supported proposal, and in 2008 the extra-wind turbine was installed. The
community now receives 1/15th of the total income from the wind farm and uses this
money to fund low-carbon projects in the community.
Develop renewable energy resource → Sell the electricity to the national grid → Use the income stream for community projects!
What are the benefits for the community?
Legal structure and finances
The first income from the turbine was used to fund a free cavity-wall
and loft insulation project in the Fintry area. A ‘door-step’ approach to
the scheme was very successful and nearly 50% of local homes took up
the free insulation offer. This saves the community an average of 464
tons of CO2/year, with each household enjoying a saving of up to £600
per year on their fuel bills.
The capital cost for installation was paid by the
developer with the community to pay this back over
the first 15 years of operation. The turbine creates
around £40-70,000 annually while the loan is paid
back, but will generate significantly more after this –
estimated up to £400,000+.
The trust is now looking at further ways to insulate hard-to-treat
homes in the area, as well as investigating the feasability of a
community biomass scheme. And the income from the turbine does
not just fund energy projects - the latest project is a community
orchard where the people of Fintry can enjoy the fruits of their labour!
The profits from the turbine are distributed by Fintry
Development Trust, which has charitable status,
while its commercial arm the ‘Fintry Renewable
Energy Enterprise’ is a company limited by guarantee
which receives the profits and ‘owns’ the turbine.
Local energy • Local benefit
• Local control • National acclaim