A new initiative between South Lanarkshire Council and wind energy company, Banks Renewables, has been set-up to boost the fortunes of the area for the foreseeable future.
The Hamilton based firm, in collaboration with the local authority, will launch ‘Connect 2 Renewables’ with the objective of dramatically increasing the social and economic benefits of renewable energy developments and to provide direct support for local businesses and communities.
A special event marking the launch will take place in Hamilton on November 28th and will be attended by politicians from across Scotland, interested in learning about this unique proposal, which may potentially be rolled out in their own regions. Local businesses and community groups will also be attending.
BBC Radio Scotland’s Gary Robertson will host the proceedings and introduce keynote speakers Cllr Chris Thompson – Chair of Enterprise Services Committee & Councillor for Kilbride Central North, Patrick Harvie MSP – co-convenor of the Scottish Green Party and Tom Greatrex MP – Shadow Minister for Energy & Climate Change and Labour MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West.
Colin Anderson, Director at Banks Renewables, will complete the panel of speakers who will then welcome questions from the audience.
Connect 2 Renewables raises the bar in respect of its commitment to local delivery. It aims to ensure the benefits of wind farm projects are maximised and will help to reignite the local economy, as well as delivering a host of improvements and opportunities for local residents.
Along with creating new employment, training and education opportunities for local people, Banks Renewables is committed to giving opportunities for local contractors to get involved in the construction of its wind farms – a commitment that has been supported and welcomed by the Council.
Two of Banks Renewables’ wind farm projects in South Lanarkshire have been approved by the Scottish Government in the last year and together will produce enough green electricity to power almost 80,000 homes and will require an investment of approximately £200 million to build.
Middle Muir Wind Farm, north of Crawfordjohn, is expected to provide a £25 million boost to the local economy, while Kype Muir Wind Farm, some 5km south of Strathaven will produce enough energy to power almost 50,000 homes and inject upwards of £44million into the area.
Colin Anderson, development director of Banks Renewables, said: “We are very proud to be working with South Lanarkshire Council on the Connect 2 Renewables initiative and appreciate their commitment to the objective of supporting local people and businesses in South Lanarkshire and making the most of the renewables revolution.
“In partnership with the council we aim to support local businesses and open up access to direct contracting opportunities during the development, construction and operation of our wind farms.
“We also aim to maximise the direct employment and training opportunities for local people both within the renewables industry and the wider economy, with ring fenced funding to support this.
“It’s absolutely vital that the benefits are felt by those living closest to wind farms. By working together with the council we can ensure local social and economic priorities are tackled head on. This in turn will build ongoing support for well sited projects that are delivered in the right way – helping Scotland to achieve its wider renewable energy objectives”
Banks Renewables recently submitted an 18 turbine extension to Kype Muir Wind Farm, with high levels of support from the surrounding communities.
If approved, this would increase the total estimated local investment from the combined 44 turbine Kype Muir project to £139 million over the 25 year life cycle of the wind farm.
Councillor Chris Thompson, Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Enterprise Services Committee, said: “This is an excellent example of partnership working between the public and private sectors.
“We are delighted that local businesses, community groups and organisations will be able to directly benefit from Banks Renewables wind farm developments.”
An event to launch the Connect 2 Renewables Charter will take place on November 28th at The Banqueting Hall in Almada Street, Hamilton. Any media or local employers wishing to attend should email connect2renewables@banksgroup.co.uk.
