A YEAR after a wind turbine on a farm in Lawhitton started generating energy, applications have opened on the community benefit fund connected to the development.

In August 2015 Connick Renewable Energy Limited installed a EWT 500KW wind turbine at Sheers Barton, which is 25% community owned through a Cornish energy co-operative called Energy Society.

In its first 12 months of operation, the wind turbine has generated 1,440,796 kWh of electricity, which the Energy Society said is enough to cover the electrical needs of 464 homes for a year.

The wind turbine is also generating £10,000 a year for a community fund to support local projects for the next 20 years.

A local grant allocation committee for the Sheers Barton Wind Turbine Community Fund has been formed and is currently welcoming applications from local organisations, residents and businesses.

The type of applications that could be funded include work to support community facilities, providing new community service, improving access, creating or improving outdoor spaces, sport and recreation, education and training, supporting and establishing community action and enterprise.

The fund is also looking to support activity which increases energy security and sustainability, reduces carbon emissions and energy demand, supports the local economy and improves local money flows.

Neil Farrington, director of the Energy Society, said: “Following our first successful year of operations we are now pleased to share some of the financial benefits of generating clean, green energy with the local community. We hope that the fund will make a significant difference to the needs put forward by local residents.”

Anyone interested in applying for funding to support activity which creates benefit within the locality can find out more and get an application form at www.thelowcarbonfund.org or by calling 01872 245566.

In due course it is anticipated that a public share offer will be launched to enable local residents to have a stake in the project.