Community groups in the area around Peterhead Power Station will be able to apply for a share of a £25,000 funding pot after SSE Thermal opened applications for its dedicated Community Investment Fund.
As the owner and operator of Peterhead Power Station, SSE Thermal has launched the fund to support projects that benefit the local community, its people and the environment.
Applications are welcomed from constituted groups, non-profit organisations and charities within the community, with the application window open until August 23, 2024. A group can apply for up to a maximum of £2,000 per application by completing the form which can be found here.
SSE Thermal’s fleet of flexible power stations and gas storage sites play a crucial role in keeping the lights on across the UK and Ireland, while the business is rising to the net zero challenge by bringing forward the next generation of low-carbon flexible power.
The fund is part of a wider community investment package at six of its existing operational assets to demonstrate its commitment to the communities in which it operates.
An independent decision making panel, made up of representatives from the local community and SSE Thermal is being established to ensure a transparent and robust decision making process.
Projects will be given priority for funding if they are in close proximity to Peterhead Power Station, the number of people that the project will benefit and if they fall into priority areas identified through consultation.
SSE Thermal carried out a six-week consultation during spring 2024 which provided the opportunity for members of the community to help shape the plans.
The Peterhead Community Fund will give priority to applications in closest proximity to the station and those from the community council areas of Boddam and Peterhead.
Priority will also be given to those projects that deliver on themes, identified during consultation:
- Service provision, such as local clubs, events, activities or groups
- Help with cost of living rises, including poverty relief and local food bank support
- Energy efficiency and reduction of energy use
Jayne Collings, Community Investment manager for SSE Thermal, said: “Our focus with the Community Investment Fund is to support projects that can make a genuine difference to local people. That’s why our focus in the consultation stage was on speaking with members of the community to learn what issues mattered most to them, ensuring we could shape the Fund accordingly. We’re excited to now officially open the fund for applications and look forward to seeing the benefits that this investment can bring to the communities that we’re part of and the impact it can create for local people.”
Jacques Jonker, station manager for Peterhead Power Station said: “We take pride in being an active part of the community in Peterhead, with many staff who work at the site living in the area. We’ve long supported local projects and the introduction of the Community Investment Fund will allow us to build on that, ensuring that we can continue to make a meaningful difference.
Interested groups can apply using the application form at https://www.ssethermal.com/communities/peterhead-community-fund/
To find out more, please visit www.ssethermal.com/communities