Welsh communities benefit from over £900k in 2017 from innogy's renewable energy projects

Welsh communities have secured over £900,000 of funding in 2017 from renewable energy projects operated by Innogy Renewables UK Ltd. In Wales, innogy is responsible for operating offshore wind farms including Gwynt y Mor, off the coast of North Wales. The company also operates six hydro power stations and is constructing Brechfa Forest West and Mynydd y Gwair onshore Wind Farms in South Wales.

Katy Woodington, senior community investment officer at innogy said: “The amount of funding we are investing in communities neighbouring our renewable energy projects is not insignificant. The community investment fund associated with Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm alone will deliver over £19 million over the project’s lifetime. The Gwynt y Môr Fund is long term flexible funding which has helped countless community projects get off the ground. In its first two years, this one fund alone has actively helped safeguard 138 jobs as well as creating a further 102 new jobs .”

During 2017 the Gwynt y Môr offshore Wind Farm has supported 38 projects across North Wales. To name just a few: Abergele Community Action, The Urdd, The Outdoor Partnership, Llysfaen Village Hall, Feed the Children and North Wales Energy Advice Centre have all benefitted from investment.  The fund is currently open for applications, with a closing date of 1^st March 2018 for projects over £10,000 and up to £50,000.

Katy Woodington said: “Our community funding comes from the private sector so in many instances can be, and is, match funded. It is heart-warming to see the difference these funds are making.

“Next year is a really exciting time for innogy as we will be launching the Brechfa Forest West Wind Farm Community Fund. This fund will be worth £459,200 per year which has the potential to make a really positive impact  to communities living close to the project in Carmarthenshire.”