Vattenfall – Norfolk Projects’ Community Benefit Fund

I am delighted to share the news that today we launch a dialogue aimed at shaping our Norfolk Projects’ Community Benefit Fund – we’re inviting everyone to “have your say”.

Our world-class, coordinated offshore wind farms are poised to deliver many benefits – they will make a significant contribution to the UK’s home-grown low-C energy supply, and to combatting climate change. They will also deliver investment and opportunities to the local supply chain, local port facilities, bring construction and 25 year long, quality careers, and open export markets via Vattenfall’s wider portfolio. Vattenfall is committed to local communities benefitting from the Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas projects – you have helped shape them and will host vital infrastructure. We can’t deliver our projects without the involvement of local communities, any more than the nation can deliver a climate smarter future without everyone being on board. The community fund will be a lasting legacy, supporting local climate-smarter living initiatives over the lifetime of the projects.

Why are we launching this conversation now?

Of course these benefits are contingent on the projects progressing. So, some may ask, why are we starting this dialogue now? We know from having set up highly successful funds elsewhere that setting up a good community benefit scheme takes time. The fund needs to be based on community interests, needs and aspirations, and will need to have the flexibility to adapt, to keep working effectively for communities over its decades-long lifetime. We want to ensure that when the project construction work is underway from 2023, the fund is also in place; we’re starting now to make sure you have time to fully consider what’s required and to prepare winning applications.

How do I and others take part?

Just take part in the poll by following either of the links below. It is quick and easy to do.

Please share http://bit.ly/GMVNorfolk to help spread the word and ensure we receive a wide range of views during this first phase.

What will happen next?

The poll will run for around six weeks. We’ll share the results widely, and then set up opportunities to explore the themes that participants highlighted. We’ll also then start looking at the best governance structures and administration to support the delivery of the communities’ priorities.

Please find attached an information sheet and our latest e-newsletter, which you can also pass on.

If you have any questions, or would know someone who would like a paper copy, contact info@norfolkvanguard.co.uk or freephone 0800 019 3517. We look forward to hearing your views.

Kind regards,

Catrin Jones

Community and Stakeholder Engagement Lead

Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas Offshore Wind Farm Projects