Some of the most meaningful benefits that can be delivered from a wind farm proposal like Clune are jobs and employment for local businesses and contractors, in addition to the use of local services and amenities, all of which can generate a significant amount of inward investment within the area.
The below highlights some of the key benefits that Clune Wind Farm could bring to the local community.
Up to £88 million in businesses rates to The Highland Council supporting vital local services.1
Predicted to deliver around £17 million inward investment in the form of jobs, employment, and the use of local services during construction2.
Provide a community benefit package worth over £37 million over the wind farm's lifetime.
£81.9 million of economic activity linked to operations and maintenance work2.
Providing potential additional recreational benefit through the car parking facilities at the site entrance enabling links to established access routes through the area.
Potential to deliver an annual discount on the electricity bills of properties closest to the wind farm
Extensive peatland restoration activities in combination with deer control measures will benefit species such as red grouse, waders, skylark, and meadow pipit.
Supporting skills development through engaging universities and colleges - RES partnership with UHI
Creating further job opportunities for local people through the additional rangers required for tree planting and management, control of herbivores, and predators.
Partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
Since February 2024, RES has been in partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to support a minimum of 60 students through their Student Development Fund.
The UHI Student Development Fund was re-established after RES committed to donate a total of £60,000 over the course of three years to support students across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire. These grants will help to further the education and personal development of the students through a range of initiatives and activities, including attending art and music workshops, presenting research at conferences, obtaining new qualifications and participating in sports competitions.
Find out more about the first three recipients who were awarded the grant in 2024 here and further insights from recipients in the 2025 funding round here.
RES is committed to creating power for good in communities where we operate and UHI serves an area and population at the very heart of the ever-growing renewable energy industry. To find out more about the fund, please click here.
2 The inward investment figure and economic activity figure are taken from the Economic and Community Impact Report.