A community fund has been launched by a European renewable power generator.

The Neilston Greener Grid Park Community Fund by Statkraft, aimed at contributing to net zero climate targets and designed to support carbon reduction projects, is open for applications in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire. 

Speaking about the fund, Councillor Lorraine Cameron, Provost of Renfrewshire, said: "I warmly welcome the establishment of this new community fund, and encourage eligible groups and organisations in the local area to apply for support.

"Renfrewshire Council is committed to meeting our net zero targets, so schemes like Neilston Greener Grid Park are welcome, as is Statkraft’s commitment to being a good neighbour and bringing added benefits to communities in which they operate."

Administered by GrantScape, the fund offers an annual £20,000 to community and environmental projects located within a 3km radius of the site.

The minimum grant organisations can apply for is £500, covering the project's lifespan.

GrantScape has distributed more than £90million to nearly 1500 projects across the UK.

Applications are open for one round each year, with additional rounds possible if funds remain unallocated.

A local fund panel, comprising community representatives from within the area, will oversee the allocation and prioritise the supporting applications.

The first closing date for this fund is April 26 with final allocation decisions made by June.

Neilston Greener Grid Park is a project aimed at enhancing the electricity grid's stability while transmitting more renewable energy through the network.

The park is currently under construction and expected to be completed this winter.

Guy Nicholson, head of Greener Grid Parks at Statkraft, encouraged local organisations and groups to apply, adding: "Statkraft always seeks to bring additional benefits to the communities in which we work, and so I’m pleased that this new fund is now in place to support projects located near to the development site.

"I want to encourage local organisations and groups to apply and look forward to seeing the many ways in which this find will bring real benefits to the community.”

Applications can be made through the online portal at https://grantscape.org.uk/fund/statkraft/neilston/.