A North Lancashire windfarm is marking a decade since it began producing green energy.
OnPath Energy’s Heysham South Windfarm, which sits around a kilometre to the south east of the town, produced around 23,400 MWh of green energy last year, which is enough to meet the annual energy needs of over 8,000 homes.
And as part of the company’s OnPath Together development approach, the three-turbine scheme has also generated almost £11,400 last year for its community benefits fund, which provides financial support for projects being undertaken by groups and good causes in surrounding communities.
A total of £157,000 has so far been generated for the fund over the last decade, with previous grant recipients include The Bay Foodbank, Heysham Jubilee Institute, Heaton-with-Oxcliffe Parish Council, Heysham Neighbourhood Council and the 1st Overton Scout Group.
Around £21,000 is currently available in the fund, with OnPath continuing to encourage local groups and good causes to put their project ideas forward.
Robin Winstanley, sustainability and community director, said: “The Heysham South Windfarm has fulfilled the commitments we made at the very start of this project by consistently generating considerable amounts of green electricity, which is being used to power homes, schools, hospitals and businesses.
“Alongside the environmental and energy security benefits it is delivering, Heysham South has also made a long-term contribution to the well-being of surrounding communities by helping to enhance the facilities and the funding support available to local people and groups
“The increased cost of living has meant that the direct community contribution that has come through our OnPath Together development approach has been more important than ever before and the positive impact it has had can be seen clearly right across the area.
“The Heysham South Windfarm is continuing to operate extremely well and there’s a lot more to come, both in terms of green electricity and community investment, and we would strongly encourage local groups and good causes to apply for funding.”
Environmental and community projects in the vicinity of the Heysham area which are interested in applying to its community fund should first contact the fund manager via apply@onpathcommunityfund.co.ukor on 0191 378 6342 to confirm that their group or project is eligible.
Local hospice wins national award for Will donation campaign
Cash boost for babies and families at Royal Lancaster Infirmary after fundraising at local golf club
Morecambe’s Pride in Place Board give update on West End investment programme
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
