Neilston Community Windfarm Showcased During First Ever Community Energy Fortnight

A wind farm near Glasgow opened its doors to the public on Saturday as part of a series of UK-wide events to mark the inaugural Community Energy Fortnight.

Community Energy Fortnight (24 August – 8 September) is organised by a coalition of UK organisations including Co-operatives UK, The National Trust, Women’s Institute and Friends of the Earth Scotland. The Fortnight is designed to highlight the significant benefits of community-owned renewable energy schemes and celebrate pioneering projects, such as Neilston Community Wind Farm – a 10MW four turbine wind farm which is part owned by the Neilston Development Trust. It is estimated that the project will raise £10 million for the community over the life of the project.

Anne Schiffer, Energy Campaigner from Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:
“Community energy has enormous potential and brings a wealth of benefits. In addition to reducing our climate change impact, it supports the local economy and keeps the profits generated within the community. Neilston Community Wind Farm for example, is expected to raise millions of pounds to be spent for the benefit of the local community.

“Community Energy Fortnight will engage and inspire, and hopefully lead to hundreds of new community groups getting involved.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Print quality images available, taken by Simon Murphy. Images show community energy enthusiasts at Neilston Community Windfarm, Anne Schiffer and Colin Baines, Climate Change Campaigns Manager at The Cooperative Group. http://www.flickr.com/photos/friendsoftheearthscotland/sets/721576352377…

2. For more information on Community Energy Fortnight see www.ukcec.org

3. Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Community Power Campaign is sponsored by the Scottish Government and the European Union’s Intelligent Energy Europe programme.
Disclaimer: The sole responsibility for the content of this press release lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union or that of the Scottish Government. Neither the EACI nor the European Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

4. Friends of the Earth Scotland is
* Scotland’s leading environmental campaigning organisation
* An independent Scottish charity with a network of thousands of supporters and active local groups across Scotland
* Part of the largest grassroots environmental network in the world, uniting over 2 million supporters, 77 national member groups, and some 5,000 local activist groups – covering every continent. www.foe-scotland.org.uk