Wind farms for north of Lewis still on cards
Large scale wind farms in the north of Lewis are still a possibility, it was stressed this week.
Although on a smaller scale than the Lewis Wind Power proposal, a report carried out by Halcrow for the Scottish Government, concluded that there was potential for several projects with a total number of up to 53 turbines.
The findings are part of a study commissioned by the Government shortly after the refusal of the LWP application and outline that there could be room for development around Galson, Stornoway and on Arnish Moor which is ‘in harmony with environmental obligations’.
It also states that community led development should be central in Barra, the Uists and Harris.
Moorlands Without Turbines (MWT) are this week holding a meeting to discuss the interim report and what it means for island communities.
Following their strong campaign against the LWP development, the island based group are particularly concerned that any future projects do take the environment into account and that any potential schemes get clear community consent at an early stage.
Energy Minister Jim Mather was on Lewis last week to hear the interim findings in a seminar with Western Isles councillors.
He commented that the study had not only looked at renewable energy options but other projects which could deliver economic and community benefit.
Commenting after the seminar, he said: “Renewable energy will be crucial to increasing sustainable economic growth across Scotland and we have set ambitious targets to help drive this forward. However, particularly in the Western Isles, we need to do this in a way that is in harmony with the environmental obligations.
“While the study continues, I was very pleased to hear there is potential for additional onshore wind energy in North Lewis. In addition, the Western Isles can play a key part in our renewable energy aspirations, particularly in the demonstration and deployment of marine renewables.
“In taking this work forward I am pleased that the Comhairle and other public sector bodies agreed to work with the Scottish Government. In doing so, we can together build a firm base for sustainable economic growth and social renewal in the Western Isles for years to come.”
The study concluded that to maximise economic benefits, there were several energy chain opportunities.
These were that there is unprecedented opportunities in the marine sector; Arnish Point facility is well placed for fabrication of larger onshore turbine towers; there could be opportunities for component research, development and demonstration; and that there could be emerging opportunities in relation to concrete fabrication.
Other opportunities to boost the economy included a fixed broadband mainland link; developing quality branding of local food and drink processing, introduction of RET and further expansion of macro-algae processing industries.
The consultants Halcrow were appointed to undertake the study and the first phase of the work involved a series of interviews with a wide range of stakeholders. The final findings of the study will be published before the end of the year.
By Michelle Robson
5 September 2008
The copyright of this article is owned by the author or publisher indicated. Its availability here constitutes a "fair use" as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law as well as in similar "fair dealing" exceptions of the copyright laws of other nations, as part of National Wind Watch's effort to advance understanding of the environmental, social, scientific, and economic issues of large-scale wind power development. For more information, click here.
Blog it:
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
|
