SSE Airtricity is seeking to lead the way on community engagement and realising economic value for local communities through its existing and future wind farms. Bronagh Gormley discusses how SSE is fulfilling its core purpose of providing the energy people need in a reliable and sustainable way by working in partnership with local communities.
Bronagh Gormley is a Community Liaison Officer with SSE Airtricity, based at the Omagh Enterprise Centre. As the main point of contact for the local community Bronagh manages all enquiries relating to planned and operational SSE wind farms in the area.
“My role is to represent, inform, communicate and consult with the local community through regular updates, one to one meetings and group presentations. SSE realises that not everyone is pro wind and we respect that. My job is to give the community factual information that can help them make the most informed decision.”
Promoting positive community engagement
“Our company has a team of dedicated Community Liaison Officers based at the Omagh Enterprise Centre. This team is responsible for community engagement relating to our wind farm projects across Northern Ireland. We focus on community consultation, engagement and identifying opportunities for local community partnerships.”
“Working with the local community is at the heart of what we do. We are based in the area and happy to meet with anyone who wishes to speak with us. In particular, we are committed to carrying out a formal 12 week public consultation processes in preparation for any of our planning submissions. In the first instance this allows the local community the opportunity to see exactly what we are proposing and why. Secondly, it allows issues to be raised. Hopefully, this allows all sides to better understand the others perspectives.
SSE believes that excellence in community engagement is critical to the success of each of its wind farms, not only during development and construction but also through the lifetime of each wind farm’s operation. “For engagement to be effective all involved must be willing to listen, to understand and to ensure everyone has a voice.
For example “Our 12 week pre-planning consultation for a proposed wind farm at Doraville began on September 10th 2014, with a public event held in Silverbirch in Omagh. Prior to the event, we sent out invites and response forms to over 400 residents and groups living within 5km of the proposal. We are using these responses to shape our consultation process, organising drop in’s and local events,to ensure that everyone is kept up to date and taking on board recommendations from local people in the community."
Delivering economic benefits
While the community engagement process helps everyone understand a wind farm proposal, there are also positive economic factors associated with wind farm investment. “Over the coming years, SSE would like to develop around 87MW of wind energy at four locations in counties Tyrone and Derry/Londonderry. If granted planning permission SSE will spend around £40 million with local supply chain businesses during construction, significantly supporting local jobs and enterprise in the region.”
“For example, through the delivery of our most recent project, the 73MW Slieve Kirk Wind Park in Co. Derry/Londonderry, £36 million was spent directly with around 75 local businesses supporting local jobs and enterprise.”
Delivering positive energy through community funding
“In addition to the economic value realisable during construction the SSE Airtricity Community Fund, which is maintained throughout the lifetime of the wind farm, represents the most significant contribution made by any renewable energy developer in Northern Ireland. Since 2005, SSE has awarded over £1million to more than 130 communities across Northern Ireland. This growth is set to continue as we increase the number of operational renewable energy projects within our portfolio.”
The decision to invest in wind farms
The NI Executive has set a target of 40% renewable electricity by 2020. SSE Airtricity supports this policy as it will significantly reduce our reliance on pricey imported oil, coal and gas, improve security of supply, reduce carbon emissions and stabilise energy prices for customers Onshore wind is the most cost competitive renewable generation source for electricity and is therefore the most cost effective way to achieve policy targets for the benefit of all consumers.
“While energy policy drives investment SSE Airtricity recognises that infrastructure is built locally and the local community is at the heart of any decision. Therefore, SSE Airtricity will continue to strive to be a leader and innovator in community relationships through regular, consistent and open dialogue lead by our local community team.”
For further information on SSE’s community activities and projects in Northern Ireland, please contact Bronagh.gormley@sserenewables.com or visit www.ireland.sse.com