A green energy project could be used to fuel thousand of pounds worth of community projects in an Aberdeenshire town.
Kintore Community Council has launched plans to use either hydro, wind or solar energy in the hopes of generating revenue for much-need local facilities.
Any electricity generated would be profited via the UK government’s feed-in tariff initiative, which pays back those who install power-generating technologies from a low carbon or renewable source.
And the community group hope they can raise as much as £100,000 a year through the scheme – which could be used to fund local amenities such as a skate park.
Hydro power generated from the River Don is one of the renewable options being considered by the team.
Brian Johnstone, chairman of the community council, said the town still lacked vital amenities despite an influx of housing in recent years.
He said: “There were developments done with no community facilities provided, so we have suffered the lack of facilities despite all the housing developments that has gone ahead. We’re looking to improve community facilities in general.
“It is really to generate income to be used throughout the community for a variety of projects from smaller kids clubs, projects like a skate park, projects of that type where funding is difficult to achieve.
“It would also be used in supporting things like sports facilities, old people’s groups – any number of projects.
“We can perhaps generate £50,000- £100,000 a year. Right now we struggle to raise £2,000 for a fireworks display. The community will get a big benefit from it.”
Mr Johnstone said the aim would be “to generate renewables in either hydro, solar or wind form”, adding: “That delivers tens of thousands of pounds to the community, guaranteed for the next 10 to 25 years.”
The community council is also hoping to get local landowners on board with the idea, which would be delivered through the Community Energy Scotland’s Cares scheme.
Mr Johnstone said: “The idea is for communities to utilise this funding source, to provide an income for the next 20 years and the benefit of the community.”
The group has been spurred on by such projects as the Udny Community Turbine, which generated around £120,000 for the area in 2012.
