The Ray Wind Farm, operated by Vattenfall, sits on the Ray Estate in Northumberland. It comprises 16 turbines generating 54.4 megawatts of electricity to the National Grid annually, and will continue to do so for the next 25 years – the life of the Wind Farm.

For every year of its working life, Vattenfall will donate money to the rural communities that fall within the catchment area of the Wind Farm, largely the parishes of Bavington, Birtley, Corsenside, Elsdon, Kirkwhelpington, Otterburn, or within 10km of the Wind Farm i.e. ‘the Area of Benefit’. The annual figure donated is £5,000 per megawatt of generated output, index-linked, for the life of the Wind Farm – more than £250,000 per year, commencing in 2018.

To ensure the transparent distribution of funds within the communities, a Community Interest Company has been established with Board members representing each of six parish councils within the catchment area, plus seven lay members appointed to further represent their respective communities. Each will serve a term of three years (renewable). The Community Interest Company (CIC) is legally registered and is accountable to Vattenfall.

The Ray Windfarm Fund Community Interest Company will support local initiatives that will secure lasting public benefits in a cost-effective and sustainable way. Funding will not be restricted to charitable activity and the aim is to be flexible in supporting projects relevant to the needs of the communities in the area of benefit.

Funding can be towards project costs, equipment or capital developments and may include provision for running costs. The work can be new, continuing or a one-off initiative.