A NEW local community energy investment opportunity which invites people to support a small farm wind turbine at Troed y Bryn is being described as “innovative” by supporters.

The project was launched at the Jubilee Hall in Llangeitho and local residents who attended were told about the Small Wind Co-op, which is being launched by Shrewsbury-based Sharenergy and local group Grannell Community Energy.

They say the co-op will offer people the chance to invest in both the Troed y Bryn wind turbine and a second farm wind project in Scotland – the first time a community energy project has brought together farm-scale wind projects in different countries within the UK.

Directors of the Small Wind Co-op, Grannell Community Energy and members of the Davies family who farm at Troed y Bryn where the turbine would be located, were there to answer questions about the project.

They said that, as well as offering investors a return of between 4.5 per cent and six per cent, the project will generate a community fund of £3,000 a year (index-linked) for 20 years to support local projects bringing social, economic and environmental benefits to the area.

The co-op is inviting suggestions from the public about local projects and organisations which might be supported by the fund.

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