Allt Dearg Community Wind Farm performed very well in 2014. Despite the wind speeds being slightly lower than in 2013, Allt Dearg still achieved the highest capacity factor in mainland Britain. A recently released report from Argyll & Bute Council shows that Allt Dearg is the clear winner in terms of delivering economic benefit to local communities.
James Lithgow of Ormsary said - "Argyll should be proud of our renewable energy sector. There is a place for different ownership models in renewable energy. However the economic advantages of locally owned developments are very clear. Aside from the direct payments into the community, the land owning partners are using their share of the Allt Dearg income to fund £7 million of investment in three new hydro-electricity schemes, infrastructure, housing and environmental improvement at Ormsary and Stronachullin Estates, creating additional employment and expenditure with local firms and helping to keep the maximum economic benefit within Argyll.
We have extended the success of our unique local ownership model with the Sròndoire Community Wind Farm to our neighbours in Tarbert and across the Loch to the Kilfinan community. Only time will tell what this partnership will be worth in Community Benefit, but we are confident that it will greatly exceed the national “Community Benefit” target of £5,000 per MW installed.”