Bright future for the Hebridean energy sector

The Energy Futures conference in Stornoway reiterated the incredible economic and community potential in the development of a renewable energy sector in theOuter Hebrides.

The Conference, which attracted over 80 delegates from as far afield as Madrid, Vienna, Berlin and Trondheim all viewed the Outer Hebrides as an area offering remarkable potential.

“West-coast inter-connector”

The Conference heard from a range of marine developers who are moving closer to deployment and view the Outer Hebrides as their destination of choice.  The potential of delivering hundreds of MegaWatts of power from the marine environment in the medium term was seen as being highly realistic by the developers in attendance.

The new Stornoway Wind Farm project, which aims to develop a project on Stornoway Trust land by 2014 was launched at the Conference.  This project will add to the generating capacity from the Outer Hebrides, which includes a range of consented commercial and community projects.

Delegates were impressed that the entire fabrication process, including deep water assembly, can be undertaken at Arnish Point.  At Lews Castle College delegates visited the Greenspace Research facility, a leading commercial research capability, which is able to stream live data from renewable devices.

Personnel from National Grid and Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Limited confirmed to the conference that a significant connection to the grid is on the way and that there is potential for further enhancement, including the potential for a west-coast inter-connector.

“Hebridean renewable energy”

Speaking after the Conference, Councillor Angus Campbell, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: “This Conference was a highly positive event that under-lined the massive potential that exists in the Outer Hebrides for economic and community regeneration if we are able to deliver on the potential of renewable energy.  Delegate after delegate stated that we “have it all” here in the Outer Hebrides – from the richest energy resource in Europe both in wind and marine resources through to a significant manufacturing and assembly capability; a skilled workforce and leading edge research and development capabilities.  These elements come together to form a very attractive package that is very enticing to the renewable energy sector.

Councillor Campbell continued: “Over the next period we must redouble our efforts to market and re-profile the Outer Hebrides as a prime renewable energy destination.  The Comhairle and our partners will shortly complete a refreshing of our “Energy Innovation Zone” concept.  I am convinced that the vision within “Energy Innovation Zone” which sees the Outer Hebrides as a leader in generation, storage, research, design and manufacturing, is correct and one that we must build and deliver on over the next period”.

“The Comhairle is also seeking to bring together all local developers and regulators by the end of July to explore the issues that are holding back local potential.  I am very hopeful that this meeting will ensure that the conditions are put in place for the further development of a thriving Hebridean renewable energy industry.”

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