Overview
RES seeks to be a power for good in the communities that neighbour our projects by working openly and constructively to ensure tangible local benefits.
Some of the most direct and meaningful benefits that can be delivered from a project like this are jobs and employment for local businesses and contractors, in addition to the use of local services and amenities, all of which can generate a significant amount of inward investment within the area.
It is predicted that the proposed redesigned Cairnmore Hill Wind Farm will deliver around £8.75 million in business rates to The Highland Council over its operational lifetime, as well as approximately £1.4 million of inward investment in the form of jobs, employment, and the use of local services. In addition, Cairnmore Hill will be capable of providing low carbon renewable energy, at least cost to the consumer, for around 28,000 homes.
RES also proposes to create additional benefit from the scheme through a community benefit package. RES will work with the local community to gain feedback on their priorities and deliver projects that will help to secure long-term economic, social and environmental benefits. This approach will help to deliver a tailored package of benefits that are aligned with the local communities’ priorities.
The 28,000 homes equivalent figure has been calculated by taking the predicted annual electricity generation of the site together with RES’ predicted capacity factor of 49.66% and dividing this by the annual average electricity figures from DESNZ showing that the annual GB average domestic household consumption is 3,239 kWh (January 2024). Final wind farm capacity will vary depending on the outcome of planning permission and the turbine type selected.
Involving the local supply-chain
RES is committed to ensuring that, wherever reasonably practicable, local contractors and employees are used in all aspects of wind farm development. The major opportunities arise during the construction phase when suitably qualified local firms are invited to bid for different aspects of construction, such as foundation laying and electrical works. Construction materials are normally sourced locally (i.e. within the county) and local transport and plant hire companies used wherever possible.
Caithness has a fantastic variety of businesses that have extensive experience and skills in wind farm development. Some of the skills, services and materials which are likely to be required during the construction phase of Cairnmore Hill Wind Farm, if the project is consented, are:
- Civil engineering
- Groundworks
- Electrical works
- Steel fixing
- Plant operators
- Labourers
- Cleaners
- Plant hire
- Concrete
- Aggregates
- Quantity surveyors
- Fencers
- Local accommodation
RES is keen to hear from local businesses who may be able to offer these skills and services. Please contact us if you are a local business and would like to discuss the supply chain opportunities that are likely to arise in relation to our Cairnmore Hill Wind Farm project.
Partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
In February 2024, RES announced its partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to support a minimum of 60 students through their Student Development Fund. The UHI Student Development Fund was re-established earlier this year through RES' donation and has awarded its first round of grants to students across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Pethshire. These grants will help to further the education and personal development of the students through a range of initiatives and activities, including attending art and music workshops, presenting research at conferences, obtaining new qualifications and participating in sports competitions.
Find out more about the first three recipients who were awarded the grant here.
Local Income
Expenditure in the local economy during the development, construction and operation of wind farms varies from project to project due to various factors including project size, project duration, and the availability of local suppliers. In recent years, RES has seen typical spend with local stakeholders, suppliers and service providers in the region of £279,000 per wind turbine during the development, construction and first year of project operation. In some cases, it has been possible to significantly improve on this number.
The redesigned Cairnmore Hill Wind Farm proposal is expected to deliver approximately £1.4 million of inward investment into the local area in the form of jobs, employment, and use of local services.
The case studies below help demonstrate RES' commitment to working with the local supply chain and maximising inward investment wherever possible on its wind farm projects:
- Freasdail Wind Farm, Argyll and Bute
RES' Freasdail wind farm on the Kintyre peninsular in Argryll and Bute was commissioned in March 2017. Consisting of 11 turbines, the 22.55MW project has injected £6.34 million into the Argyll and Bute economy through working closely with the local supply chain - with £4.21 million being spent with local contractors, £1.56 million on local materials, £0.36 million on local supplies and services and £0.21 million on local accommodation.
- Glenchamber Wind Farm, Dumfries and Galloway
RES' Glenchamber wind farm near New Luce, Kirkcowan and Glenluce, was commissioned in October 2016. Consisting of 11 turbines, the 27.5MW project delivered a considerable £8 million of inward investment and employed 45 local people during construction leading to upskilling of the local workforce.