Threat to islands’ community wind farms 28/4/10
A wave of community energy projects in the Western Isles are under threat after Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) warned they may not get connected into the grid.
Scotland’s community energy development charity says this means that millions of pounds of much needed cash will be lost to the Western Isles.
They are urging Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) to back down and immediately to connect the local schemes to the electricity network.
Community Energy Scotland has written to SSE’s boss, Ian Marchant, urging him to confirm 2011 connection offers to seven community windfarms and hydro projects in the Western Isles.
David Cameron, chairman of Community Energy Scotland, said: “We have an extraordinary position in the Western Isles where, despite all the great words, there is only a total of 7 MW installed capacity.
“Our community group members have worked diligently and, with our help, have overcome tremendous obstacles to get to a point now where they have projects totaling 21.5MW, almost ready to go.
“But they are being told that their connection offers may be withdrawn or put back years.
Mr cameron added: “In our opinion, there is no regulatory or technical reason why at least 3.8MW cannot be confirmed now for 2011.
“Furthermore, we believe that by applying a minor limit to two private windfarms on Skye (which could be compensated under new rules due to apply soon), other community projects in the Western Isles could also be connected next year.
We’re asking SSE to act now to resolve the uncertainty and re-