LOCAL BENEFITS

At each wind farm site we design, construct and operate, our goal is to ensure that we create significant environmental, economic and community benefits at the local and global scale.

Key Fact: Local benefits of the wind farm

Community fund of £1,500 per MW per year e.g. a 26MW wind farm = £39,000 per year
Preference to use local contractors and maintenance staff
Local environmental enhancements
Other options to be discussed with local people

Economic Benefits
The construction and operation of our wind farms have a positive effect on the economy. In the short term, it is our policy to use local services where practical during the construction phase and in the longer term wind farms create positive benefits through landowner rentals, farm diversification and employment of maintenance staff. We are keen that our wind farms become a good neighbour and a positive feature of the local environment, and at each of our sites we investigate further initiatives which could provide direct benefits to local people throughout the wind farm's life. At Wadlow Farm we shall be providing the following:

Local Community Funds
Based on an annual payment paid by the owner of the wind farm to the local community for the lifetime of the wind farm, the community fund can then be used to provide assistance and support to local projects, events and good causes. The operation and administration of a local fund will be managed independently by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation. The value of the funds is related to the size of the wind farm and at Wadlow Farm, we will contribute £1,500 per Megawatt (MW) of installed capacity. Therefore the 26MW will provide a community fund of £39,000 per year. If any individuals or groups are interested in applying to the community fund for funding then please contact their local parish council which will have a representative on the Community Fund Panel. The community benefit fund will not be in place until the wind farm starts producing electricity to the grid which is anticipated for Autumn 2012. It is anticipated Cambridgeshire Community Foundation will set up the Community Fund Panel in anticipation of receiving applications in Spring 2012.
Environmental Benefits
At the local level, by hosting a wind farm, the local communities around the proposed Wadlow wind farm will be making their own essential contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. RES also works hard during the design phase of all its wind farms to achieve direct, local environmental benefits. In order to protect and enhance the local environment at Wadlow Farm, we shall incorporate various mitigation measures and improvements to the site that will create an overall net gain in conservation value. We have been working closely with ornithologists and ecologists to produce a Habitat Management Programme which will be implemented with the cooperation of those who use the land. Proposed measures will include replanting of hedgerows on site (with native tree and shrub species), restoration of habitats and woodland management. Where possible, existing tracks have been used for access routes and new grassland strips and vegetation habitats will be encouraged along all tracks, providing habitat for mammals and insects. We have specifically sought to avoid passing through any hedges on site, thereby helping to protect a valuable local ecosystem. In addition, the timing of any work carried out will be planned so as to keep disruption to a minimum. Overall the improvements will provide many beneficial consequences for wildlife at Wadlow Farm.

Our operating wind farms attract interest from locals and visitors alike and are a useful educational resource, assisting in raising awareness of climate change and clean energy solutions among the local and wider community. In particular, RES holds site open days and engages with schools and young people, organisations and professional groups to help raise awareness of the role of wind energy in tackling climate change.