Comhairle slammed over “dead end thinking” on renewables
6 November 2019
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is being urged to ditch its backing of corporate windfarm developers and to pursue the case for a smaller subsea cable for community turbines.
Plans for a large 600MW interconnector are in limbo after LWP’s Stornoway Windfarm
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A solution proposal is being mooted by campaigners who say the present link taking electricity onto Lewis and Harris should be strengthened to accommodate community generators which return much more money locally than private schemes.
The present connection built in 1990 comprises a single circuit from Fort Augustus
via an seabed cable from Skye to Harris and then overland to Stornoway on Lewis.
Stornoway North councillor Angus MacCormack says this cable should be strengthened and reserved the export of energy generated from community developments.
However, the council dismissed his call, indicating it is holding out for a larger subsea link with sufficient space for all community turbines and commercial developments.
A potential strategy over the development of renewables in the Western Isles is expected to be debated by councillors next month.
However, Mr McCormack expressed concern that “almost all of the briefing” around that relates to “bodies external to the comhairle.”
He said: “There is no reference to the comhairle anywhere in the document. That, for me, summarises our strategy. We just rely on other people to determine what we do. I have never seen a strategy paper on renewables.
“It is my view that community renewables is the best way forward and pursuing that course would give us control of the way forward.”
He stated: “It really is important that the comhairle takes the initiative in renewables
rather than always being dependent on dead-
“I believe the comhairle can make an excellent case for the Skye Route plus.”
A council spokesman said the local authority was still battling for a Minch interconnecter with maximum capacity.
Mr McCormack explained he is not suggesting the existing cable, which links the mainland to Harris via Skye, be beefed up to the upgraded to carry 600MW or 450MW sizes talked about for the Minch interconnector from Stornoway to Dundonnell.
It is believed a Harris-
Mr McCormack said he wanted such an upgrade and the Comhairle’s future strategy to dovetail to make it possible for “all community renewables to be connected to the grid.”
He called for the comhairle “to actively support all community projects to achieve planning permission and a grid connection.”
The council should also support the work currently being undertaken by community groups, including the hydrogen ferry project and research into battery storage, he urged.
Existing Skye to Harris cable
Proposed Lewis
to Dundonnell route
The existing cable goes under the sea to Skye.
Cllr Angus McCormack
Sandie Maciver