West Cumbria Residents to Invest in Offshore Wind Farm Project

Project Collette aims to install up to 100 offshore wind turbines off the west Cumbrian coast near Sellafield over the next decade. The initiative, led by Green Finance Community Hub, seeks to involve local residents as part-owners, allowing them to benefit financially from the energy produced. This approach is designed to ensure that a greater share of the profits remains within the local community, fostering economic growth and sustainability. The project is still in its early stages, with essential details such as the financial model being developed. Additionally, the project must navigate various regulatory processes, including obtaining planning permission and securing grid connections. These steps are crucial for the successful implementation of the wind farm, which could take between eight to ten years to complete. Dianne Richardson, chief executive of Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster, highlighted the potential for this project to leverage Cumbria's existing expertise in nuclear energy. The feasibility study has been completed, and community engagement efforts, including resident surveys and informational events, are currently underway to gauge public interest and support. As the project progresses, it represents a significant opportunity for local communities to invest in renewable energy, aligning with broader goals of sustainability and energy independence. The involvement of residents in ownership could serve as a model for future community energy projects across the UK, emphasizing the importance of local participation in the transition to greener energy sources.