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Community renewables get grid connection promise       27/7/10

 

 

 

 

 

A number of Western Isles community renewable energy ventures have been given a boost with dates being issued for crucial grid connections.

 

Dates around the end of 2011 is the timescale given to most of the schemes which have received connection offers from Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE).

 

Two small hydro schemes being progressed by the North Harris Trust are due to be hooked up in 2012.

 

Six community wind farms are being fast tracked by SSE  which - if everything falls into place - should allow them to generate electricity onto the national grid within the islands by the end of next year.

 

However, finalised dates are not yet confirmed for the community wind schemes.

 

SSE is to undertake works to permit the wind projects to link into the system before major reinforcement improvements to the on-island transmission network and the construction of the sub-sea interconector.

 

The windfarms for Point and Sandwick Power, South Uist, Galson, Shawbost, North Tolsta and Barra would be subject to a “connect and manage” agreement  which could result in turbines being switched off if they risk the stability of the grid system.

 

It is understood that other local schemes which do not have planning permission will be forced to lose their place in the queue as a result of the fast tracking.

 

The 11 turbines are expected to return £2.5 million annual profits to the communities.

 

The developments will boost the economy of the islands by £60 million over the 25-year life span of the turbines and are expected to create 100 sustainable jobs.

 

David Cameron, Chairman of Community Energy Scotland (CES) said:  "This news comes at a crucial time for these community energy companies and we want to ensure that finalised written offers are issued to all the groups involved as soon as possible.

 

“CES are delighted that these projects are closer to their end goal of improving the social, economic and environmental landscape of their communities."

 

David Wright, chairman of EcoHeb - the umbrella body for the islands energy companies - said: “All the schemes are 100% community owned and all of them will be returning every penny they make back into their communities."

 

“We are particularly grateful for the support we have received throughout from Community Energy Scotland, not just financial support but also strong moral support when it came to lobbying SSE, the National Grid, and other key decision makers.”

 

With three turbines Point and Sandwick Power would be the UK’s second biggest community wind farm while the South Uist project would be the country’s third.