Keith Greener Grid Park, developed and operated by renewable energy company Statkraft, delivers funding of £20,000 each year, for the lifetime of the site. Greener Grid Parks are pioneering projects, which increase the stability of the electricity grid, and allow more renewable energy to be transmitted through the network. 

The Community Benefit Fund in place aims to supportenvironmental projects in the local area, during the lifetime of the project. Activities that could be considered for grants could include energy efficiency audits of community buildings, educational activities, training for voluntary groups in reducing their own carbon footprints, and EV charging points. 

The first successful projects this year is Keith and District Men’s Shed, which was awarded a grant to support the purchase of a new solar panel and battery storage, ensuring the group can generate, store, and use its own clean energy. The second award was made to Longmore Community Hall in Keith, which has received funding toward the much-needed replacement of emergency lighting throughout the hall, to a modern and energy-efficient system.

Stewart Cree, Treasurer of Keith and District Men’s Shed said: “We are extremely grateful to all the funders who have helped us to reach this point in the development of the Keith and District Men’s Shed. Stage one, the conversion of the former sports pavilion at Seafield Park, Keith, is nearing completion and our focus is now on ensuring long-term sustainability.

“The Statkraft grant will allow us to install a solar energy system which will greatly reduce the cost of operating the shed in future years. It will also help lessen our reliance on fossil fuels, something which I know reflects the aims and values of Statkraft and will contribute to a more sustainable future.”

Steve Hickin, Secretary of Keith Community Council said:“We have been pleased to work closely with Statkraft and GrantScape in establishing this community benefit fund and ensuring that worthwhile local projects are supported. We commend Statkraft on their good neighbour approach and look forward to seeing more benefits coming to the area.”

Guy Nicholson, Statkraft’s Head of Greener Grid Parks said:“Being a good neighbour is a strong part of Statkraft’s ethos as a renewable energy company. That’s why I’m delighted that the community fund associated with our innovative Keith Greener Grid Park has made its first awards. It’s only right that as well as bringing wider benefits, like a stable electricity system, and allowing more renewables to be connected to the national grid, our projects benefit local people too.”

The two successful groups applied through a competitive application process administered by the independent grant-making charity GrantScape. Applications are now welcome for the next round in 2024, and groups are encouraged to contact GrantScape – www.grantscape.org.uk – to discuss their projects and how to receive support in submitting bids.

Statkraft’s Keith Greener Grid Park has been shortlisted for an Outstanding Project Award at this year’s Scottish Green Energy Awards. This world-first project was launched in March 2022, as part of National Grid ESO’s Stability Pathfinder Project, and will be instrumental in meeting the target of a fossil fuel-free grid by 2025.