Brereton Solar Farm
Community Windpower Ltd commissioned a Social Impact Assessment aimed at identifying the opinions of local residents in relation to the development of Brereton Solar Farm. A brief summary of this is provided below.
Reduced and more competitive energy costs.
Energy independence & employment opportunities.
Support the local economy.
Local and Community Ownership.
The Social Impact Assessment included a broad range of interviews and questionnaires to establish the likely social benefits and impacts of Brereton solar farm. A total of 137 individuals and 4 local business responded to the survey.
- It was found that while public awareness of the proposed development was low, the majority of respondents believed that significant benefits will accrue from Brereton Solar Farm. The most positive outcome highlighted included; reduced or more competitive energy costs , energy independence and employment opportunities arising from the development.
- A small minority of residents highlighted concerns during the construction phase such as noise and dust pollution alongside vibrations. However these impacts are considered to be short term and will be mitigated against.
- The businesses who responded were overwhelmingly in agreement that the development would lead to positive impacts which included employment opportunities, reduced or more competitive energy costs, energy independence, help tackle climate change and contribute towards energy independence.
The Impact Analysis study highlighted that Brereton Solar Farm will bring significant economic and social benefits alongside additional community benefits from the developers that will extend into the surrounding community. These are highlighted below:
- The Social Impact survey highlighted that 21% of adult respondents were unemployed, The development will provide employment opportunities to individuals in the local areas as well as offering training opportunities.
- During the construction phase, the development will endeavor to foster economic opportunities by purchasing goods and services from nearby manufacturing and retail businesses which will support the local economy..
- Renewable energy projects such as the proposed Brereton Solar Farm, facilitate a reduction in the reliance on oil imports, reduce the cost of electricity and therefore assists the economy as a whole and the cost of living for residents.
- The added value of the sheep farm and diversification of agriculture crops with the building of greenhouses, and the continuation of sugar cane addresses the issue of reduction in the arable capacity of the lands and will be a benefit to the national agricultural productive capacity. There will also be a corresponding positive effect on food and nutrition security and the sustainability of the national food system.
- CWL has made a pledge to the Barbados Government for a post COVID-19 fund to support electric buses and electric infrastructure. CWL has also proposed to establish a “Green Fund” for local homeowners to access funding towards the installation of solar PV and Solar thermal systems on their roofs.
- There is a planning requirement that 30% of the project be owned locally. Therefore, CWL is offering 49% to be owned locally with the BNOCL and a new charity that will be set up to focus on supporting females of all ages, particularly young ladies needing help with education and employment, families, unemployed and people needing assistance with their energy bills.
- As an investor in the island, CWL has pledged BDS$ 100,000 per annum for community training and support including agricultural training courses with land made available for local farmers.
