Onshore wind energy offers the greatest economic and community benefit for the Western Isles, according to a report commissioned by the Scottish Government.
Onshore wind energy offers the greatest economic and community benefit for the Western Isles, according to a report commissioned by the Scottish Government.
The report, prepared by the Halcrow Group, finds that new renewable energy development can be a key economic driver across the Western Isles. It identifies the benefits from different forms of renewable energy developments that can exist in harmony with environmental designations on the islands.
Last year, ministers turned down plans to build 181 giant turbines on Barvas Moor in Lewis citing the serious impact on the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area.
The Scottish Government then commissioned the Halcrow study to avoid any other major scheme failing because of its incompatibility with European law.
The study finds that the best opportunities for large-scale wind farm development are to the south-west of Stornoway, where there is potential for a 150 megawatt (MW) wind farm in addition to projects already being planned. Such a wind farm would have 50 turbines. Smaller, community-led wind developments are more suitable in Harris, the Uists and Barra.
The report estimates the potential for marine energy to be 105MW by 2015 with inshore wave potential around 30MW, while tidal potential of 75MW is identified in the Sound of Harris. But much greater energy potential would be in the offshore wave resource.
The total renewable energy is put at 550MW from all schemes - far short of the Barvas Moor development, which was predicted to generate more than 600MW.
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said yesterday the study had shown that there could be an increase in renewable energy development, in harmony with nature, that could create jobs and sustainable opportunities for the islands.
The report was welcomed by Western Isles Council.
Council leader Angus Campbell said: "It is encouraging that the Scottish Government shares the Comhairle's long-held view that renewable energy can be a key economic driver for the islands."
RSPB Scotland, which opposed the giant wind farm on Lewis, also welcomed the study, and promised to work with developers, the government and council to ensure properly sited projects of the right scale went ahead.
