Eishken and Stornoway wind farms have joined forces to become the biggest renewable energy development on the Western Isles.
Lewis Wind Power (LWP) which owns the Stornoway wind farm project has bought the Muaitheabhal Wind Farm scheme, also known as Uisenis, on the Eishken estate in South Lochs, Lewis.
LWP -
It now adds the proposed 45 generators for the Eishken estate, to its portfolio.
The joint capacity of up to 342MW is a crucial part of building the case for an interconnector to the mainland which is estimated to require over 350MW of committed project power to be viable.
The interconnector is essential to make sure electricity can be exported from the island to the wider UK electricity grid.
LWP said the local community will benefit in three different ways from the wind farm once operational.
This will be through Comhairle nan Eilean Siar having an option to partner with LWP to buy a share in the Uisenis wind farm, through a community benefit fund which will receive a proportion of the revenue and through the employment and economic benefits.
Matthieu Hue, chief executive of EDF Energy Renewables, said the acquisition shows EDF Energy Renewables and Amec Foster Wheeler’s "commitment to developing remote island wind and delivering significant benefits for consumers and the community.
“It strengthens the case for an interconnector to the mainland which will unlock the economic potential of the Western Isles and secure the development of the island’s renewables sector. Lewis Wind Power will work with the community to maximise opportunities from the development.”
Council leader, Angus Campbell, said: “The acquisition of Uisenis Wind Farm by Lewis Wind Power presents a fantastic opportunity to see this wind farm constructed and deliver significant benefits both to the local community and the Western Isles as a whole with an option for the council to purchase a significant stake in the project. This is welcome news that can only strengthen the case for the construction of the interconnector."
On behalf of Eishken Limited, the owner of the site where the Uisenis Wind Farm will be located, Nick Oppenheim said: “I am delighted that LWP are taking forward the wind farm. The resources available on the Eishken estate, and the Western Isles in general, means that it is an excellent location for renewable energy projects and, as such, the company is also developing a 300MW pumped storage hydro project immediately adjacent to the Uisenis wind farm.
With such potential for renewables and the positive effect they will have on the local community, economy, and the UK as a whole I am are looking forward to positive news on both support for remote island projects and the interconnector.”
Two giant island windfarm projects amalgamate
14 September 2016
Artist's impression of Uisenis windfarm