Renewable energy developer shortlisted for award for its community engagement in South Lanarkshire

OnPath Energy, a renewable energy developer, has been shortlisted for the Best Engagement Award at the Scottish Green Energy Awards for its outstanding community engagement efforts in South Lanarkshire. The company, previously known as Banks Renewables, has been recognised for its work at the Kype Muir Extension wind farm. Robin Winstanley, the sustainability and community director at OnPath Energy, expressed pride in the nomination, attributing it to the dedicated team involved in the project and the company’s commitment to excellence in renewable energy developments over the past 20 years. He emphasised the crucial role of community engagement in green energy projects and the significance of being acknowledged for their efforts.

Situated just 5km south of Strathaven, the Kype Muir wind farm is among eleven onshore wind farms developed by OnPath Energy, collectively producing 840GWh of energy annually. The wind farms are expected to provide community benefits exceeding £770,000 per year to the local areas. The Kype Muir Community Partnership (KMCP) was established in 2019 to ensure that communities receive a fair share of the wind farm revenues to address specific local issues. Comprising representatives from five local community council areas, the KMCP receives funding from both Kype Muir wind farms.

Robin highlighted that the Kype Muir Extension project exemplifies the positive impact of community partnering in maximising social, environmental, and economic benefits of onshore wind farms. The equitable distribution of benefits among the operator, local authority, and surrounding communities is crucial for sustainable development. The Scottish Green Energy Awards will announce the winners on December 5 in Edinburgh following the finalists’ reception later this week.

Community engagement is integral to the success of renewable energy projects, and OnPath Energy’s recognition at the Scottish Green Energy Awards underscores the importance of involving and benefiting local communities in sustainable initiatives. The company’s proactive approach to collaborating with local stakeholders and ensuring equitable sharing of benefits sets a commendable example for the renewable energy sector. Their commitment to excellence and sustainability serves as a model for fostering positive relationships between energy developers and the communities they operate in.