Swedish energy company Vattenfall, the developer of the 92.5MW European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) in the Aberdeen Bay, Scotland, is creating an annual cash fund scheme to support the communities in Aberdeen and the Aberdeenshire.
Vattenfall is committing to investing GBP 150,000 every year for the operational life of the more than GBP 300m offshore wind test and demonstration centre.
The EOWDC is expected to operate for 20 years which means the fund could be worth as much as GBP 3 million over the lifetime of the project.
Vattenfall’s EOWDC project director, Adam Ezzamel, said: “Vattenfall wants the EOWDC fund to support communities in Aberdeen and the Shire for the lifetime of the wind farm which is expected to be around 20 years. How a lasting legacy will secure best outcomes from the EOWDC fund will in large part be determined by those who are to benefit. That conversation with key local interests will start soon so that community investments can start next year.”
As Scotland’s largest offshore wind test and demonstration centre, the 11-turbine EOWDC will trial next generation technology and is expected to contribute to driving down the cost of clean power. Once operational, it will generate the equivalent of 70% of Aberdeen’s domestic electricity demand and 23% of Aberdeen’s total demand.
“The potential benefits of offshore wind energy in Scotland are enormous, and that is why this government is continuing to invest in this area,” Scotland’s Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse said.
“I am keen to see communities across the country share in the benefits from this rich natural resource, so the creation of this community fund will ensure a lasting legacy in the local area, and I look forward to hearing how the money is being used for projects to benefit local people in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire area.”