Update on Renewables on Forestry Commission Land
Update on Renewables on Forestry Commission Land
Community-owned options for Hydro - NFLS
Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) has released details of the areas of the National Forest Estate that are available for community-led hydro developments. Communities now have an opportunity to develop proposals for renewable energy projects through the FCS' National Forest Land Scheme (NFLS).
The available areas are detailed in maps accessed through an interactive map tool on the FCS website - link from: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/communitiesandrenewables. The site has other information and guidance on the process for groups to select sites, undertake initial feasibility work and develop a NFLS application.
Community groups now have until 30 June 2012 to submit an Expression of Interest Form (download it from FCS website).
Developer-led Hydro announcement
If you submitted an EOI earlier this year you should now have been contacted by Forestry Commission to let you know whether there is a developer-led hydro scheme in the forest you expressed interest in. If you would like to find out whether there is a developer-led hydro identified in your area the developers have mapped the sites that they are taking forward; Gilkes - http://www.forestry.gov.uk/communitiesandrenewables and Green Highland Renewables - http://www.greenhighland.co.uk/forestry-commission.php
Please see the Forestry Commission website for information on how your community can get involved
What about wind?
A similar process is planned for community-led wind energy projects and due to start around the end of January 2012 – we will update you when this is available.
How can Community Energy Scotland help?
Contact your local Development Officer for support during the development your community owned project from feasibility to aftercare.
For further advise on the developer-led options contact laura.nicolson@communityenergyscotland.org.uk or jamie.adam@communityenergyscotland.org.uk or call 01349 860 128
Advice is also available from our third sector partners:
Development Trust Association Scotland http://www.dtascot.org.uk/
Community Woodland Association http://www.communitywoods.org/