Kirk Hill, The People Owned Wind Farm…
The Good News -
Located in the windy south west of Scotland near Kirkoswald in Ayrshire, The Kirk Hill wind farm is Ripple Energy Ltd's second people-owned wind farm. Part-owned by more than 5,600 people and small firms, the farm comprises eight turbines that can power over 20,000 households and businesses with cheap and green electricity for a year and aims to save 29,667 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Project Background - How does it work?
Planning permission was granted in October 2020 following consultation and assessment. By 2022, the total amount funded from the public and small businesses was £13.2m. Members contributed a small amount linked to their energy consumption, which went towards building the new clean energy infrastructure. They will now receive money off their bills for the 25+ years operational lifetime.
Benefits for Owners:
- Power homes with up to 100% green energy
- Save thousands on electricity bills over the site's lifespan
- Contribute to tackling climate change
Community Impact:
- Nearly £3m generated from green energy sales will support local organisations: Dailly Community Development Trust and North Carrick Community Benefit Company
Quotes Relating to the Project -
Sarah Merrick, Chief Executive and Founder of Ripple Energy spent 17 years in the renewable energy sector before founding Ripple in 2017. Speaking to Jenness Mitchell, Scotland Reporter for Sky News -
"We enable thousands of people to come together and collectively own large wind farms and solar farms. So instead of having to have rooftop solar on your home, you could get your power through that by the grid. You know you're having a real genuine impact on climate change - not just this year, but for the next 25 or 30 years." - Sarah Merrick, Chief Executive and Founder of Ripple Energy
Shirley Paterson, a co-owner of Kirk Hill Wind Farm from Glenrothes in Fife, speaking to Jenness Mitchell, Scotland Reporter for Sky News -
"Together, we've achieved what one person alone could not. Of course, the savings on my electricity bills will be welcome. But it's the tangible climate action that matters most, and with more projects like Kirk Hill and opportunities for people to take control of their energy, we can make a real difference for the future." - Shirley Paterson, a co-owner of Kirk Hill Wind Farm.
Open invitation
The invitation is now open to participate in the upcoming Whitelaw Brae wind farm in the Scottish Borders. Shares start at just £25, and the 14-turbine site will be the UK's largest consumer-owned renewable energy project, powering an average home with clean electricity in just three minutes per year.
For further information on this article, please visit: https://rippleenergy.com/our-projects/kirk-hill
To watch all current videos from Ripple’s latest wind farm builds: https://www.youtube.com/@RippleEnergy
