Local Economic Benefits from Tallentire Wind Farm

As well as contributing to the UK's growing renewable energy generation, Tallentire Wind Farm has provided significant local economic benefits with over £2.1 Million spent locally to date. During the civil works, 25% of the workforce employed on site came from the local area. In addition, contracts were set up with local catering and cleaning companies. All the stone and concrete used during the construction process was sourced from local suppliers and local drivers utilised to deliver materials to the site. The balance of the workforce at Tallentire lived locally during the working week, creating significant revenue for local accommodation providers. For the 25 year lifetime of the project RES anticipates to spend locally in the region of £8.6Million, of which £3.9 Million will be paid to the local council in business rates.

RES is working with local parish councils and the Cumbria Community Foundation to set up a community fund. The fund will see the community receive approximately £675,000 over the lifetime of the wind farm. The Cumbria Community Foundation will set up a decision making panel made up of community representatives from the parishes to make funding decisions. Based locally at Dovenby Hall, the Cumbria Community Foundation is well placed to support the community and the administration fee received will also see money staying in the local community. RES is also keen to support local events which encourage visitors to the area. This year Tallentire Wind Farm will be sponsoring the Taste Cumbria Food Festival and Cockermouth Music Festival.

RES has also launched a Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS) at Tallentire Wind Farm. This new initiative will see over 300 businesses, community buildings and private residences near the project able to receive a discount of £108 off their electricity bill every year. The scheme takes RES' commitment to community benefits in the area to over £1.5 Million throughout the lifetime of the wind farm.