Westray Community

Westray Community

Securing sustainability

Sam Harcus

Island of Westray

Reasons for Development

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1881 1901 1921 1941 1961 1981 2001

Development and Renewables

Development and Renewables

1%

31%

49%

19%

Energy Use on Westray 25GWh

PlanesFerry 50%OilsElectricity Use

• Electricity worth circa £500k• Liquid fuels worth £569k assuming

50p/litre average.• Feed in Tariffs and Renewable Heating

Incentives additional income.

• Grid constraints and lack of alternatives mean we are already fuel switching from liquid fuels to electricity.

• Energy responsible for 7,210 tonnes CO2 per annum.

Community Development and Renewables

Private Development and Renewables

Community Turbine

“Resource to Revenue”• Initial idea to the community• Fund an initial study• Suitable sites, away from

– Protected zones– Away from inhabited property– Flight paths– Telecoms– Availability of land

Community Turbine

• Potential site negotiated with land owner• Community Consultation• Keeping in contact with statutory consultees• Planning permission• Grid Connection

Community Turbine

Westray Renewable Energy Ltd– Trading Company

• 2 directors from Development Trust• 3 from the community• advisors

Community Turbine

• Obtain a quote for a suitable turbine• Funding for £1.8M total project cost

– Pre-development HICEC– Big Lottery ”GCA” – £761k– Remainder Triados Bank

Construction

Community Turbine

• Enercon E44, – 44m blade diameter and – 45m hub height

• High energy low turbulence site• Power Purchase by Smartest Energy

Performance of turbine

2009 October

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2010 January

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March

AprilMay June

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Power produced (MWHrs)

Scottish Green Energy Awards 2009“Best Community Initiative”

“Waiting for wind in Orkney”

Thank you

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