4th
June
2009
Community Renewables Revolution in the Western Isles Gathers Pace
Four separate community-owned wind developments in the Western Isles have just been granted permission by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the local planning authority.
Tolsta Community Development Ltd, saw their application to build one wind turbine accepted.
Storas Uibhist, owner of the 93,000 acre South Uist Estate, the largest community buyout in the UK, received permission to build a three turbine 6MW wind farm at Loch Carnan.
Three wind turbines were consented at Baile an Truiseil for the Galson Estate Trust. The site received a high level of support from the local community, and is set to bring profit directly back into the area.
Last month, Horshader Community Development Ltd, a community-owned company, had their application to build one 80m wind turbine granted. Once online, the electricity from the 900kW turbine will be sold and create an income to be used by the community in South Shawbost, Dalmore and Dalbeg for local projects.
Simon Munro, Technical Director of renewable energy and environmental specialists Atmos Consulting, who have assisted the four communities in their ventures said: "The Western Isles have some of the best wind resources in the UK and there is a high level of support in the communities there for community-led wind energy developments.
"Community-owned renewable projects generate a healthy income stream into local areas and ensure that it is the local community who reap the economic benefits of wind energy. The people of Lewis are leading the way in this respect and we are proud to be involved in so many of these community projects.
"Despite the high level of support for these projects, the reality is that the electricity grid was designed for feeding power from large power stations to remoter areas and work is required to allow communities in these areas to harvest their local resources. We hope that the grid issues can be overcome as soon as possible to ensure that these projects can come online as soon as possible and start making a difference to the communities of Lewis."
Eric Dodd, National Projects Manager with Community Energy Scotland who funded the projects, commented 'Atmos Consulting provided high-quality guidance and detailed technical data and engineering support throughout the planning process which was integral to these communities achieving planning consent.'
Back to news page.