About Us
Isle of Skye Renewables Co-operative was established in 2007 for the purpose of owning a share in the Ben Aketil wind farm located near Dunvegan.
Skye Co-op has been established to provide an opportunity for all who are concerned with the effects of climate change to become involved in the ownership and operation of a wind farm. It is especially, but not exclusively, aimed at groups and individuals local to the wind farm. As well as paying interest to our shareholder members, each year we distribute a community benefit fund to support environmental and sustainability focused projects in the local area.
Why community ownership?
As the number of renewable energy schemes in Scotland increases it is essential to engage the general public so they feel involved, consulted and supportive of the transition away from fossil fuels. Whilst the reasons for supporting renewables are widely acknowledged amongst decision makers, industry and environmentalists, if ordinary residents don't feel like they are reaping any of the benefits of renewables they may begrudge the evolution that is occurring in their landscape. By owning some of the wind energy infrastructure ourselves, the benefits of developments to both individuals and communities are real and tangible.
Benefits of renewable energy to the economy include job creation, rents, rates, services and the production of affordable electricity; an essential component of any economy and reducing the impacts of climate change. The levels of funds staying within the economy are significantly increased if the schemes are owned or part owned by local people themselves and the knock on effect of money generated from the industry remaining within the economy.
Part or full ownership of wind farms by the community is the most effective way to maintain profits in the local economy, provide a sense of involvement and thus increase the grass root level of support for renewable energy and additional climate change mitigation measures. Community ownership of turbines reduces profits ending up in shareholders pockets overseas and elsewhere in the UK, and thus maximises the percentage left behind in the communities. Revenue is distributed locally and is then available for reinvestment elsewhere rather than servicing loans from city banks and overseas firms.