Aberdeenshire and Moray groups benefit from SSEN funding
Community groups in the north-east have been awarded grants from a new fund.
SSEN Distribution has announced the first tranche of successful applicants of its new £410,000 Powering Communities to Net Zero fund.
It has two aims - to support communities who are looking to decarbonise their operations through the use of low-carbon technologies; and also help them become more resilient in the event of storms or emergencies which may impact the electricity network and cause the power to go off.
Keith Football Club received £15,542 to install battery storage to an existing solar panel at its Kynoch Park home.
Fyvie and District Amenities Committee was presented with £3585 to purchase and install an emergency backup power generator for the local community house.
Huntly Community Council was awarded £761 to purchase small items in support of the establishment of a local resilience centre in the town.
The range of applicants’ locations and the diversity in their funding objectives highlights the different needs and requirements of communities across SSEN’s operating region.
Andy Smith, SSEN Distribution’s operations director for the north of Scotland, said: “We’re delighted that this first year of our Powering Communities to Net Zero fund has been met with such a positive response, with applications coming in from communities large and small across the north of Scotland.
“The variety of applications has been particularly impressive, and whether it’s taking the initiative and making plans to become more resilient or thinking of how they can decarbonise their day-to-day activities, all of the communities who submitted their applications are to be commended.
“We’re proud to be supporting everyone’s laudable ambitions and wish our applicants nothing but success with their endeavours.”
The next round of the Powering Communities to Net Zero fund will be opening in the coming months, with background information and full details on how to apply appearing on the dedicated webpage.
