Following a UK Government and Ofgem announcement of a £2 billion investment in the offshore renewables industry, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has urged government and others to recognise the energy potential of the Western Isles and make use of the ‘best renewable resources in the UK’.

The Comhairle has also welcomed the European Commission’s increased commitment to combating climate change, including targets for energy from renewable sources. The European Commission’s proposals include a target of 15 per cent of the energy consumed in the UK to come from renewable sources by 2020;

The Comhairle has stressed that whilst offshore turbines are important for the future, onshore wind is the technology of the present and the resources of the Western Isles could and should be used now.

Vice-Convener Angus Campbell said: “The Western Isles has the best renewable wind resources in the UK and yet the UK Government seems to be concentrating a huge amount of effort and financial resources into the offshore industry which will be primarily based around the English coastline. It is important to look to the future but we also have to concentrate on the here and now and the Western Isles provide the opportunity to do so through onshore windfarms. In addition, The Scottish Government must make sure that UK investment in renewables benefits Scotland as well as the rest of the UK. Of course one way to do this would be for the UK Government and Ofgem to direct a significant part of the £2 billion investment in the offshore renewables industry towards the Western Isles and other Scottish Islands and start investing in the technologies of the future that the Islands are well placed to deliver”.

The European Commission’s Climate Change proposals are welcome and the Western Isles can play a major role in assisting the UK meet its targets on renewable energy production. However, to realise the energy potential of the Western Isles, grid connections will have to be upgraded. Whilst the Crown Estate report published last week concentrates on a cable down the east side of the country, the capacity of the Western Isles to deliver renewable energy to the rest of the country should not be forgotten.”

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk