Organisers behind research to build a community-owned wind turbine at Seafield are within touching distance of significant funding for the project, but they still need people to vote for the scheme between now and 2 December.
Although partly paid for through a loan from the Scottish Government, the Portobello and Leith Community Wind Energy Project (PLCWEP) needs further funds for a grid deposit, test boreholes and design of foundations, and to submit grid conection and planning applications, and to undertake further wind monitoring, landscape and bird studies.
It all costs money, but this is not a financial black hole. In addition to the many environmental and educative benefits the scheme could potentially bring to north Edinburgh (including parts of Broughton) over its 25-year duration, it would also generate an independent source of income for local not-for-profit projects focused on sustainable development.
The group has now made it through to the last 19 schemes (out of 100) in the British Gas-backed Energyshare Fund competition, and if enough people support it they could secure up to £100,000. Obviously, the more money raised through funds of this sort means less money borrowed from banks, and so ultimately more sums available for spending on the community.
To place your vote, visit Energyshare and choose PLCWEP in the 'medium project' category by 2 December.
To find out more, click here or look at the frequently asked questions answered here