The Dunoon Observer
29 May 2025
A NEW push is under way in Cowal to ensure local communities benefit directly from renewable energy developments in the region — and residents are being urged to play their part.
Cowal Community Energy (CCE), working in partnership with Community Energy Scotland (CES), is calling on development trusts across the peninsula to support a growing movement towards community ownership of renewable energy projects. This includes the proposed repowering of the Cruach Mhor Wind Farm, as well as other wind and hydro schemes in development or under consideration.
While large-scale renewables in Cowal have, until now, been owned by foreign corporations — with profits flowing out of the region — CCE wants to change that. With backing from CES, Development Trusts Association Scotland, and Community Land Scotland, the goal is to keep a greater share of the income generated by wind and water right here in Cowal.
Graeme Murray, a director of CCE, said: “This is a huge, missed opportunity. We believe that if energy is being generated from Cowal’s natural resources, the people of Cowal should be the ones to benefit. We want to see a future where profits from renewables are reinvested in our local communities, not lost to overseas shareholders.”
Community-owned energy projects have already transformed other parts of the Highlands and Islands.
Across the region, local companies are running wind and hydro schemes that generate millions in community income. Independent research by consultancy Aquatera found that community-owned wind farms return 34 times more money to local areas than corporate-owned schemes — with typical returns of around £100,000 per megawatt (MW) per year, compared to just £5,000 or less in corporate “community benefit” payments.
In Cowal, payments from the Spanish-owned Cruach Mhor Wind Farm have fallen significantly short of even that figure.
CCE is actively engaging with development trusts in Dunoon, Benmore and Kilmun, Sandbank, and South Cowal — all of which are already on board — and is encouraging other trusts throughout Cowal to join the coalition.
Members of the public are also being asked to play a part by contacting their local development trusts and encouraging them to take part. Public support is seen as a vital part of building momentum and ensuring that future energy developments are truly community-led.
“This is about having a real say in what happens on our land and ensuring we build a more sustainable, locally empowered future,” added Murray.
To find out more or get involved, email: cowalcommunityenergy@ gmail.com or speak with your local development trust.