OREANDA-NEWS. The ?98m project sees 34 turbines generating up to 68MW of electricity. Since construction began in 2011 it’s contributed ?43.3m to the UK economy and supported 723 jobs.

To help deliver the project SSE built a ?5m bridge at North Pilfrey, allowing the majority of construction traffic to bypass neighbouring villages, protecting and enhancing the local community.

As a further signal of its long-term commitment to the area SSE will also be providing ?8.5m in funding to support local projects over the 25-year lifespan of the wind farm.

Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said: “Onshore wind is the cheapest form of low carbon power we have. It powers millions of homes and provides thousands of green jobs for people across the UK. But the benefits of onshore wind projects like Keadby don’t stop there.

“As a direct result of this development local projects are able to access the ?8.5 million fund SSE has set up to support communities in North Lincolnshire over the next 25 years.”

Paul Smith, SSE Managing Director Generation, said: “Today marks the culmination of SSE’s ?98m construction project to build England’s largest ever onshore wind farm and its opening reflects SSE’s determination to provide the energy people need in a reliable and sustainable way, contributing significantly to the UK economy.

“SSE takes its responsibilities as a developer very seriously and makes a positive impact in the areas where it operates. Working in tandem with the local community is central to the success of Keadby, that’s why we’re investing ?8.5m in local projects supporting everyone from toddlers to trainees over the next 25 years.”

During his visit Ed Davey met employees of the wind farm and those involved in its construction before unveiling a plaque to celebrate its official opening.

He was also introduced to some of the local groups who have received support from the local community fund set up by SSE at the start of construction.

As part of SSE’s commitment to support communities close to its developments, two annual funds totalling ?340,000 are available. The Keadby Wind Farm Community Fund, open to community groups in the immediate wind farm area, and the new SSE North Lincolnshire Community Development Fund, now open to groups across the region. These funds will run for the 25-year lifetime of the project – contributing ?8.5million to the local community.

Projects already successful in securing funding include a ?20,000 award for the refurbishment of children’s playpark in Ealand and nearly ?70,000 in energy and infrastructure improvements to community buildings in Crowle, Althorpe, Luddington, and Garthorpe.

Picture (L-R) Samantha Cunningham, Keadby wind farm site supervisor, Ed Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and Paul Smith, Managing Director of Generation