The deal, announced today (November 30), creates the Scotland Sustainable Energy fund – a 25 years project aimed at releasing the potential of Scottish onshore wind power.

Funding will be available for all organisations promoting skills development, community energy and improving the built and natural environment.

With this commitment SSE claimed it has increased its investment to the level of £5,000 per megawatt for all new onshore wind farms constructed in Scotland from January next year.

Scottish energy minister, Fergus Ewing welcomed the investment, he said: “The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring communities receive the maximum possible benefits from renewable energy developments in their areas.

“Our ambition is for all Scottish communities to share in the rich rewards of our next energy revolution.

“For that reason, I welcome today’s announcement by SSE which will see more communities in Scotland benefiting from renewable energy, improving their built and natural environment, starting energy projects of their own, and developing the skills they need to get jobs in this thriving sector.”

SSE chief executive, Ian Marchant, said: “We want to commit additional funds worth £90 million to provide long-term support for strategic projects in the regions in which we are investing and in the areas of most need, and which we believe have the potential to make a significant and sustainable difference to the people of Scotland.

“We’re also committed to continuing to set aside sizeable sums for communities local to our wind farms, for existing and new sites.

“It is for these communities to decide what’s important to them and to support projects which are best for their area.”

Luke Walsh

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