| Community Renewable Energy Grants, £750,000 Available To Eligible Groups | 25 August 2008 |
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Comhairle nan Eilean Siar recently allocated £750,000 from their Capital Programme to a fund which supports communities to develop community-based energy solutions for infrastructure in their localities. Groups are invited to apply from the Community Renewables Support Fund (CRSF) for assistance with community-scale projects. The CRSF was established by the Comhairle in 2004. The programme was viewed as a key component in the Comhairle’s vision for renewable energy under the original Creating Communities of the Future multi-agency strategy at that time. Cllr Archie Campbell, Chair of Sustainable Development Committee said “CRSF is an important element of the Comhairle’s approach to the overall renewables agenda. I am very much of the opinion that the Outer Hebrides has an important contribution to make to this agenda and that that communities across the islands are keen to participate. Installing renewables devices are good for the environment as they help reduce greenhouse gases and carbon emissions. From a local perspective they also have the additional benefit of reducing electricity bills for community organisations.” Over the past 4 years, the Fund has supported 18 projects across the Outer Hebrides, featuring a variety of technologies - with Hydro, wind, solar, ground source heat pumps and biomass all represented. Most of these projects incorporated energy efficiency and insulation measures, to ensure that gains from renewable generation were maximised. Cllr Campbell continued: “We have seen some excellent projects being implemented across the islands as a result of the first round of CRSF and I know there are a significant number of projects in active development at this stage and the Comhairle is keen to support these projects. This £750k allocation underlines our commitment to community renewables and assisting our community organisations increase their overall sustainability.” The additional injection of £750,000 from the Comhairle will ensure that the CRSF scheme continues for a further 4 years, and the fund will again operate in partnership with Community Energy Scotland, formerly known as Highlands & Islands Community Energy Company (HICEC), where all initial enquiries should be directed. As a new charity Community Energy Scotland hopes to build on the foundations already created by HICEC and the Comhairle by delivering support, advice and funding for community groups. Community Energy Scotland’s new purpose is to build confidence, resilience and wealth at community level in Scotland through sustainable energy development. For more information, please contact Community Energy Scotland on 01851 707 344 (Kathleen MacLennan) or 01870 603 932 (Rona Mackay). Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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