Baywind Energy Co-operative

Baywind Energy Co-operative is a cooperative society and was formed in 1996 to generate energy from renewable sources and to promote the conservation of energy. The first two projects enabled a community in Cumbria to invest in local wind turbines. The original board of directors included 7 members of the community from Ulverston and Barrow.

Baywind's aim is to promote the generation of renewable energy and energy conservation. To date, members have received a competitive return on their investment from the sale of electricity. The first share offer in 1996/97 raised GBP1.2 million to buy two turbines at the Harlock Hill wind farm. In 1998/99 the second share offer raised a further GBP670,000 to buy one turbine at the Haverigg II wind farm site. Baywind is uniquely positioned to provide opportunities for local communities, and the general public at large, to participate in this economic growth in renewable energy.