Four Winds Co-op has constructed, owns and operates two wind turbines in Derbyshire and Yorkshire. Both turbines are located in areas with a strong mining history, and they sit on former colliery sites. At Four Winds we want local people to have a stake in the current energy revolution, by owning and benefitting from our wind turbines.

Four Winds is a registered Co-operative Society under the Co-operative & Community Benefits Society Act 2014 with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and is governed by its Rules and run by a Board of Directors.

Who purchased the turbines?

Four Winds, supported by community energy specialists Energy4All, raised the required funds £3.4 million through a public share offer enabling local people in Derbyshire, Yorkshire and beyond to become members of the co-op by purchasing shares.

What happens to the clean energy generated?

The electricity generated is sold to the electricity markets through Power Purchase Agreements and the co-op also receives income through the Feed-in Tariff. The actual level of income depends on the level of wind at the sites and the operational efficiency of the plant. After payment of maintenance, loan repayments, rent, administration costs and community fund contribution, the surplus profits are available to distribute as share interest payments to members of the co-op.

Four Winds have set up a Community Fund to support community initiatives local to each wind turbine. The fund aims to donate at least £10,000 each year but if circumstances are favourable this can be much higher.

The co-op is supported by Energy4All, who supply us with a comprehensive package of management services, including accountancy, share register management and general administration. They support more than 30 other renewable energy co-ops across the UK, which you can explore below.