Benefits
Investment in the local economy
The proposed wind farm, if consented, would continue to build on the success of the renewable energy sector in Scotland. It would provide a vital economic boost, creating skilled, sustainable jobs and help to drive a cleaner and more resilient economy.
New onshore wind, and large scale solar, are the cheapest forms of new renewable electricity generation1 and it is imperative that we deliver clean, low cost electricity as efficiently as possible for consumers. Bloch would be capable of providing clean, low cost renewable electricity for around 100,000 homes2 every year.
Bloch Wind Farm could provide a vital economic boost, create skilled, sustainable jobs and help to drive a cleaner and more resilient economy. The development is predicted to deliver around £5.8 million of inward investment in the form of jobs, employment and the use of local services. In addition, around £1 million in business rates will be paid each year to Dumfries and Galloway Council to fund vital local services within the community.
Community benefit
Throughout the development of the wind farm proposal, we have consulted with local people to explore ideas for a package of community benefits which would be delivered as part of the scheme. The feedback received to date demonstrates that discounting the annual electricity bills of residents living closest to the proposal, improved broadband provision and an apprenticeship/educational scheme are the preferred opportunities.
As a result, we have set out how this would be delivered below. Nevertheless, we continue to welcome feedback from the community on any alternative suggestions that will help to secure long-term economic, social and environmental benefits and provide a lasting legacy in the local area.
We have engaged with representatives from Langholm, Ewes and Westerkirk, Canonbie and District and Middlebie and Waterbeck Community Councils, to progress the community benefit package to be delivered by Bloch Wind Farm, if it is consented.
We plan to launch our innovative Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS) which provides an annual discount on the electricity bills of properties closest to the wind farm. The scheme would be open to all residential, businesses and community buildings (including schools, places of worship and village halls) within the eligible area with an electricity meter.
We will also be investigating opportunities to improve the broadband service within the eligible area in association with Digital Scotland and BT.
The remaining proportion of the annual community benefit package would be invested in an Education Trust supporting students from P1 through to further education with resources and activities which are not the statutory responsibility of the local education authority. If you have any suggestions or comments on the proposed community benefit package, please contact your Community Council or us.
1 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6556027d046ed400148b99fe/electricity-generation-costs-2023.pdf
2 The homes figure has been calculated by taking the predicted annual electricity generation of the site, based on a preliminary design (based on RES assessments Bloch has a predicted capacity factor of 33%) and dividing this by the annual average electricity figures from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) showing that the annual UK average domestic household consumption is 3,748 kWh (Dec 2021).