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Renewables development in Western Isles
30/01/2009
New renewable energy development can be a key economic driver across the Western Isles, according to a new study.
A Scottish Government report identifies various economic and community benefits from different forms of renewable energy developments, that can exist in harmony with environmental designations in the Islands.
The study finds:
- Onshore wind energy offers the greatest economic and community benefit
- The best opportunities are south and west of Stornoway, with potential for a 150 Megawatts (MW) wind farm in North Lewis in addition to projects already in planning
- Smaller, community led wind development is more suitable in Harris, the Uists and Barra
- Marine potential of 105 MW by 2015 - Inshore wave potential is around 30 MW, tidal potential of 75 MW in the Sound of Harris, and much greater energy potential in the offshore wave resource
- A local wind energy control centre could be developed as a shared Islands-wide resource, while encouraging developers to procure direct drive turbines at Arnish Point would create jobs in new technologies
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said:
"We want all areas of Scotland to be able to fully harness our vast potential for cheap, clean and green electricity. Maximising that potential brings economic and community benefits and the people of the Western Isles are no different in wanting to use their natural resources to build a sustainable economy.
"So I am pleased that our study has made a number of positive recommendations. It has shown that there could be an increase in renewable energy development, in harmony with nature, that could create jobs and sustainable opportunities for the Islands. We now know that renewables can quite easily co-exist alongside environmental designations.
"In addition, the report also considered other opportunities to realise full economic potential in key sectors, with new ideas for tourism, food and drink and financial services ventures.
"Taken together, this report provides a reliable base for economic, community and social regeneration for years to come. All members of the steering group, including the Scottish Government, now need to work together to drive new economic activity. I will visit the Western Isles at an early opportunity to discuss with the Council and other interests progress towards delivery."
The Scottish Government commissioned the study after refusing consent to the Lewis wind farm on grounds of incompatibility with European law.