ARRAN TO EMBRACE THE WIND!
The Arran wind project is being promoted by a new company, Arran Wind Power Ltd, which has been set up by local farmer and developer Kenneth Bone and Scottish renewable energy company GreenPower. Kenneth Bone said, "I am confident that we will achieve our aim of Arran having a wind project for our whole island community to benefit from”. He also suggested that, “The project would sit well with the perception of Arran as a healthy and clean environment and the positive green branding of other produce associated with the island”. Initially, people locals are being invited to attend one of two participatory events to be held at: Lamlash Community Centre – Friday 27th January 2006, open from11am until 8pm and Whiting Bay Village Hall –Saturday 28th January 2006, open from11am until 8pm. The events have been set up to will provide a unique opportunity for people locals to find out more about the wind farm proposals and influence the type of development taken forward. The format allows people to drop in at any time to gather information, give feedback, see the displays and find out about community ownership. Robert Forrest, Managing Director of GreenPower and partner of Arran Wind Power Ltd said, “I think this is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Arran to contribute to the type of development that gets taken forward and I hope everyone on the Island will get involved”. Isle of Arran Community Council , in response to the announcement, stated “The Community Council recognises the need for other sources of energy and, in principle, endorses the scheme as proposed by Kenny Bone and the Arran Wind Power Company. The Company and Kenny have communicated with the Community Council on a regular basis and have kept us well informed of developments. The Community Council said “We as a Community Council would recommend that if any person has views on the proposed area or about wind farms in general, they attend the events offered on the 27th January in Lamlash and the 28th January in Whiting Bay”. Arran Wind Power is also offering local people the opportunity to register their interest in community ownership of the new wind project, through the GreenFutures initiative . Robert Forrest said, “Early support of the local people is essential, to demonstrate an interest in community ownership so the right steps can be taken to make this possible”. ENDS
Further Information: Craig Potter or Robert Forrest, GreenPower 01259 272158 Kenneth Bone 01770 600291 e-mail: craig@greenpowerinternational.com Additional information: GreenPower GreenPower is an independent Scottish renewable energy company , based in Alloa, working in wind and hydro power. www.greenpowerinternational.com GreenFutures GreenPower promotes potential community ownership on all of their wind projects through an initiative called ‘GreenFutures'. Further information on community ownership opportunities through GreenFutures can be found on the website at www.thefutureisgreen.co.uk Scotland's Renewable Energy Targets Scotland has 25% of Europe's wind energy resources and there are currently 25 wind farms throughout the country producing around 400MW of power. Hydro power meanwhile produces around 12% of Scotland's energy electricity needs . The Scottish Executive has set a target of 18% electricity from renewables by 2010 and aims to produce 40% of Scotland's electricity by renewable sources by 2010 .The Scottish Executive's targets are enabled through the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) , which obliges all electricity suppliers to buy an increasing percentage of their power from renewable sources. back to home page |
