Shadow Cabinet Secretary for North Wales, Darren Millar MS, is encouraging community projects in the Rhyl, Prestatyn and Meliden areas to take advantage of the latest funding which is available from the North Hoyle Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.
The North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm, located approximately 8 kilometers off the coast of North Wales, is a significant renewable energy project that has been a pioneer in the UK offshore wind industry. As the first commercial offshore wind farm in the UK, North Hoyle has been generating clean electricity for thousands of homes and businesses since it was fully commissioned in 2004.
North Hoyle Wind Farm Limited has a strong commitment to supporting the local community. Since the start of operations, the wind farm has contributed to a dedicated community fund, delivered through a long-standing collaboration with the Denbighshire Coastal Partnership. The fund has already supported a wide range of projects that benefit the people and organisations of Rhyl, Prestatyn and Meliden.
While the original community fund obligation of 20 years expired in 2024, North Hoyle Wind Farm Limited has made the decision to continue its support to the local community until the wind farm is decommissioned.
Encouraging projects to apply, Darren said:
“I was thrilled to hear that North Hoyle Wind Farm Limited have committed to continuing to help the local community by extending the fund which has already greatly benefitted this part of Denbighshire. This demonstrates the project's ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on all the areas in which it operates.
“In 2024, the contribution of North Hoyle to the community fund was £126,000. To ensure that the community remains supported through the life of the project, North Hoyle has pledged to increase this contribution in accordance with inflation.
“The community benefit fund serves the areas of Rhyl, Prestatyn, and Meliden, providing vital funding for a wide range of initiatives that benefit the local communities and I urge all eligible projects to apply.”
Vale of Clwyd MS Gareth Davies said:
“I share the gratification that my colleague, Darren Millar, has shown at North Hoyle Wind Farm Limited’s willingness to make additional monies available for the benefit of local communities in Denbighshire by extending the Hoyle Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund – continuing their commitment to invest in our local area.
“This funding will be made available for Parish, Town, and Community councils, Social enterprises, sports groups, charities and third sector organisations, amongst many others.
“I am pleased that North Hoyle have pledged to continue supporting the local community until the wind farm is decommissioned, and I urge any interested party in the Rhyl, Prestatyn and Meliden area to make use of this additional funding and apply for grants available up to £10,000.”
Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC) has been appointed by North Hoyle Wind Farm Limited to administer the next phase of the North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.
Elgan Owen, Chief Officer of CVSC, said:
“We are thrilled to partner with North Hoyle Wind Farm Limited to deliver this next phase of the North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to build on the work of the Denbighshire Coastal Partnerhip to date and continue to support local projects that will make a real difference in the lives of people in our community. We look forward to supporting the local community to ensure that the fund delivers maximum benefit to the local area”
For more information about the North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund and how to apply for a grant, please visit the website at www.northhoylefund.cymru
