Hebrides ocean windfarms

Areas where offshore windfarms could be built off the Western Isles coast have been identified in a draft development plan from the Scottish Government. This is distinct from plans for wave energy schemes.

A number of sea areas around the islands may face little planning hurdles and have the potential to generate electricity from sea breezes according to the draft plan. They are located on both sides of a tanker traffic lane which is a no-go zone as are are military training areas to the west of Lewis and out to St Kilda.

One site is to the north of St Kilda away from the military training exclusion zone.

An area west of Harris as well as a large semi-circular belt around the Flannan Isles has fewer environmental and technical constraints.

A chain of wind turbines may be possibly located down the middle of the Minch - off Lewis and another section between South Uist and Skye. While the ferry and sailing routes which cross this area may affect where their siting the draft plan says it may not necessarily impact upon the strategic feasibility of this option.”

Around north Lewis as well as surrounding Sula Sgeir and Rona are other possibilities.

The Scottish Government has launched a 12 week consultation regarding its draft plan which covers the Scottish coast.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said the consultation “marks a major step in our commitment to make Scotland a powerhouse of renewable energy in Europe.

"I would urge everyone to participate in the consultation, to help confirm the best options for offshore wind energy development. We are committed to delivering the necessary support for a pioneering energy industry in Scotland, while promoting a low carbon economy."

Jenny Hogan, Director of Policy at Scottish Renewables said: "Meeting the amazing potential of offshore wind farms to create jobs, deliver energy security and cut carbon also requires a responsible approach to development.

“This framework should help enable offshore renewables to be sited in the right places, mindful of local environmental constraints and the needs of other sea users.”

Bertie Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation said: "As an indigenous, traditional industry at the heart of the Scottish Economy, the Fishing Industry can see the growth of the renewables energy sector continuing into the foreseeable future.

"It is imperative that a primary food producing industry, harvesting a sustainable, renewable resource will not be forgotten about as the new industries develop.

"For this reason we look forward to working and consulting with the Marine Scotland Renewables Team to ensure that they have the best information available to help them mitigate any potential conflicts between old and new users of the sea."

Hebrides ocean windfarm sites are earmarked 20/5/10

The green shaded areas show potential sites for offshore windfarms in Western Isles waters