Local benefits

RES seeks to be a power for good in the communities that neighbour our projects by working openly and constructively to ensure sensitive design and tangible local benefits. Local communities benefit from having a RES project in their area in a number of ways.

Some of the most direct and meaningful benefits that can be delivered from a project like this are jobs and employment for local businesses and contractors, in addition to the use of local services and amenities, all of which can generate a significant amount of inward investment within the area. Cairn Duhie is expected to deliver approximately £4.4 million of inward investment into the local area in the form of jobs, employment, and use of local services, and more information on this is provided below.

We have also been exploring some of the ideas and opportunities for local benefit which were suggested in people’s feedback from the online exhibition. Based on the feedback received, we have decided to prioritise discounting the annual electricity bills of residents living closest to the proposal as this was the preferred opportunity, however, we will also continue to work with the community to investigate other meaningful forms of local benefit which were raised during conversations locally – including opportunities to maximise inward investment to the area from Cairn Duhie, particularly during construction.

Involving the local supply chain

RES is committed to ensuring that, wherever reasonably practicable, local contractors and employees are used in all aspects of wind farm development. The major opportunities arise during the construction phase when suitably qualified local firms are invited to bid for different aspects of construction, such as foundation laying and electrical works. Construction materials are normally sourced locally (i.e. within the county) and local transport and plant hire companies used wherever possible.

RES is keen to hear from local businesses who may be able to offer skills and services during the construction of Cairn Duhie Wind Farm. Please contact us if you are a local business and would like to know more about opportunities for the local supply chain.

Expenditure in the local economy during the development, construction and operation of wind farms varies from project to project due to various factors including project size, project duration, and the availability of local suppliers. In recent years, RES has seen typical spend with local stakeholders, suppliers and service providers in the region of £279,000 per wind turbine during the development, construction and first year of project operation. In some cases, it has been possible to significantly improve on this number.

Cairn Duhie Wind Farm is expected to deliver approximately £4.4 million of inward investment into the local area in the form of jobs, employment, and use of local services.

The case studies below help demonstrate RES' commitment to working with the local supply chain and maximising inward investment wherever possible on its wind farm projects:

Freasdail Wind Farm, Argyll and Bute
RES' Freasdail wind farm on the Kintyre peninsular in Argryll and Bute was commissioned in March 2017. Consisting of 11 turbines, the 22.55MW project has injected £6.34 million into the Argyll and Bute economy through working closely with the local supply chain - with £4.21 million being spent with local contractors, £1.56 million on local materials, £0.36 million on local supplies and services and £0.21 million on local accommodation.

Glenchamber Wind Farm, Dumfries and Galloway
RES' Glenchamber wind farm near New Luce, Kirkcowan and Glenluce, was commissioned in October 2016. Consisting of 11 turbines, the 27.5MW project delivered a considerable £8 million of inward investment and employed 45 local people during construction leading to upskilling of the local workforce.

UHI Partnership

At a Highland-wide level, RES recently announced a new collaboration with UHI to support their Student Development Fund. The fund will empower a minimum of 60 students of UHI to further their personal development by providing financial support to overcome barriers to participate in learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities. RES is committed to creating power for good in communities where we operate and UHI serves an area and population at the very heart of the ever-growing renewable energy industry. To find out more please click here.