A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between REG Greenburn Limited and a community trust that will deliver an annual benefit fund of up to £315,000 per year.
The 9CCG, a fully incorporated local community body which represents the nine community councils in Ayrshire, will be responsible for approving the allocation of the community benefit funds.
The community benefit fund is expected to start once the wind farm is fully operational, towards the end of 2027 and will continue for the project’s 35-year life.
REG Greenburn has developed proposals for a wind farm and battery storage facility adjacent to the former Greenburn opencast coal mine near New Cumnock. Coal extraction at Greenburn ended in 2018.
Melvyn McKeown, REG Greenburn project manager, said: “This MoU recognises the work and commitment that the local communities have put in to set up the 9CCG: this community body will approve and allocate many millions of pounds of community benefit funds over the next three to four decades as a consequence of the wind farms in this area.
“It is an inspiring example of ‘best practice’ to communities that host wind farms across Scotland about cooperating across administrative boundaries, to ensure that benefits are delivered to communities.
“We look forward to a close and productive working relationship with the 9CCG, working together to ensure we maximise the benefit to the communities and leave a long-lasting legacy.”
Stephen McCarron, 9CCG chair, said: “We are now seeing the benefits of nine community councils working together. Community benefit from the wind farms that are being and will be built in the area, will help transform many of our communities."
Since being granted consent by the Scottish Government in April 2023, the developers of the Greenburn project (REG Power Management Ltd and ESB) have been conducting a detailed appraisal of the project.
A Section 36C application to vary the consented wind farm on land next to the fully restored Greenburn opencast mining site near New Cumnock, was lodged with Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit at the end of last year.
Revisions to the consented project include fewer but taller turbines with 14 instead of 16 and with blade tip heights increased from 149.9 metres up to 180m, with 11 turbines at 180m and of three turbines at 167.5m. Six of the 14 turbines will be fitted with visible aviation lighting.
