The funding is part of a community benefits package provided by the nearby Kype Muir Wind Farm and its extension.
Denise Corke, deputy headteacher at Newfield Primary School, said: “For all our pupils, the donation of laptops adds a new dimension to their independent learning, and as such generates a great confidence boost. The entire school is incredibly grateful, and these laptops will have a lasting impact for years to come.”
Community partnership in action
The KMCP fund represents five local community council areas, distributing wind farm revenues to tackle issues specific to each. Kype Muir Wind Farm, operated by OnPath Energy, has been fully operational since 2018, while its extension, featuring 15 additional turbines, was completed earlier this year. Together, the sites are projected to provide over £21 million in community benefits during their lifetimes.
Robin Winstanley, director of sustainability and community at OnPath Energy, said: “It’s been fantastic to hear that the new Chromebooks for Newfield Primary School have made such a positive impact in such a short space of time.
“Supporting the education of young people is vital, and this is just one example out of the many crucial projects that the KMCP fund has been able to help support over the years.”
Sustainable impact
The combined 41 turbines at Kype Muir and its extension have a total capacity exceeding 155 megawatts, generating enough electricity annually to power over 123,000 households. Together, they deliver more than £770,000 annually in community benefits to the local area.
George Smith, chair of the KMCP, said: “Providing these laptops empowers pupils, and it’s fantastic to hear they have had such a positive impact already for both teachers and pupils.
“I’d also like to pay my respects to Robert Freel, who we sadly lost earlier this year. Robert was a prominent member of the Stonehouse Community Council and acted as an integral part of our team to help drive forward initiatives such as this.
“Robert helped to deliver a number of projects in the area and was in particular heavily involved with this project and would have been delighted to have seen what such a positive impact this funding has had for the school.”
Image: OnPath Energy