Rampion Offshore Wind Ltd. and the Sussex Community Foundation have distributed the first grants from the GBP 3.1 million Rampion offshore wind farm community fund set up last year to benefit communities across Sussex, UK.
In the first round of funding, 46 community groups across East Sussex, West Sussex and the city of Brighton & Hove received a total of GBP 405,865, E.ON, the developer of the project, said.
“We have been absolutely delighted with the response from community organisations who have put forward many innovative and exciting projects in support of a diverse range of community groups,” Chris Tomlinson , Development and Stakeholder Manager for the Rampion offshore wind farm, said.
“The Rampion Fund has a unique appeal with many project bids incorporating renewable energy installations and energy conservation measures, which we continue to encourage in future rounds.”
The deadline for the next round of applications to the Rampion Fund is 4 May 2018. Grants of between GBP 1,000 and GBP 10,000 are available, with higher grants of up to GBP 50,000 for larger capital projects subject to matched funding.
Located 13km off the Sussex coast, the Rampion offshore wind farm comprises 116 MHI Vestas 3.45MW turbines, which were connected to the grid in April.
The wind farm generated first power after the first turbine was brought online in November last year.