Benbrack Wind Farm marks first year of generation with Community Fund milestone
Press release from Red Rock Renewables
Benbrack Wind Farm has marked one year since its turbines began generating renewable electricity, triggering the first payments from its £10 million Sustainable Community Fund.
Red Rock Renewables has made the first annual payments to the three community-led organisations responsible for administering the Fund, marking the start of a long-term programme of investment in communities across Dumfries & Galloway and East Ayrshire. The milestone comes one year after Benbrack Wind Farm was first energised. The 15 turbines will power the equivalent of 60,000 homes across Scotland.
The Sustainable Community Fund will provide around £10million over the lifetime of the wind farm, with funding distributed through Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Limited (CREFL), Glenkens & District Trust (GDT) and the 9CC Group.
Together the organisations represent communities across 19 community council areas, approximately 34,000 residents, and will ensure decisions about how the funding is used is made locally, reflecting the priorities and needs of the communities closest to Benbrack.
The Fund will support community-led projects that help the local areas thrive – from initiatives that bring people together and strengthen local connections, to activity that supports enterprise and a cleaner, renewable future. Anyone wishing to apply should contact the relevant community organisation directly for details on eligibility, timescales and the application process.
Benbrack windfarm copyright: Red Rock Renewables
Head of Technical at Red Rock Renewables, Robbie Williamson, said:
“We’re delighted to mark the beginning of the Sustainable Community Fund’s long-term investment Benbrack’s communities. When we developed the Fund, it was important to us that local communities were at the heart of the decisions about how the monies be used. Working with CREFL, GDT and the 9CC Group means the investment can respond to local communities and support projects that make a meaningful difference. This is just the beginning of a commitment that will continue through Benbrack’s lifetime, and we’re excited to see what is achieved in the years ahead.”
Benbrack Onshore Wind Farm is located approximately 6km south of Dalmellington and comprises of 15 turbines with an installed capacity of 67MW. The £10m total fund is based on industry best practice of £5,000 per MW and a projected wind farm lifetime of 30 years.
Fiona Smith, Chair of Glenkens & District Trust, said:
“These community benefit monies are important to our communities, and we thank Red Rock Renewables for putting in place these arrangements. These additional sums will enable us to support community groups and individuals across the Glenkens & District area – helping ideas grow and creating benefits for everyone.”
Tom Wall, Chair of Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Limited, said:
“We are pleased to welcome this first payment from Benbrack’s Sustainable Community Fund. This additional funding will help us support projects that meet local needs and deliver lasting benefits for Carsphairn. For us, that means supporting local services and facilities, creating opportunities for education and employment, and helping community groups turn their plans into reality. Having a long term funding commitment gives us greater confidence to plan ahead, with local people shaping how the money is used.”
Stephen McCarron, Chief Operating Officer of the 9CC Group, added:
“This is a welcome boost for our communities and demonstrates Red Rock Renewables ongoing commitment to making a positive difference across Cumnock and Doon Valley. We look forward to working with them, not only on this initial £100,000 of funding, but on ensuring the strategic impact of £10m invested over the lifetime of Benbrack Wind Farm delivers an even better place to live, work, play and visit.”