The Western Isles - Na h-Eileanan an lar

Where nature and technology offer a renewable future

The debate about the need for major renewable energy production is changing. Environmental impacts of fossil and nuclear fuels are increasingly being acknowledged. There is a growing, ever more urgent, demand worldwide for action to identify and develop new, sustainable ways of meeting the world's energy demands.

The Western Isles are uniquely placed to meet the challenge of delivering solutions to the current UK energy market and to the long-term future of renewable energy in Europe. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the local authority for the Western Isles) in partnership with relevant organisations, is working to build on this fact.

The Western Isles - Na h-Eileanan an lar

Creating the Conditions - An Energy Innovation Zone

The current energy market does not provide the incentives necessary to support a
long-term, renewable solution. It is highly regulated and dominated by fossil and nuclear fuels. But it will need time to alter the fiscal and regulatory regimes. And much research will be needed to devise the right measures.

The Western Isles offers the ideal test bed for both the technology and regulatory measures. We are remote and self-contained - so minimising the risk of leakage of tax benefits or market distortion. The experiment can also be closely monitored.

We are therefore proposing that the Western Isles be designated as an Energy Innovation Zone. Within the zone there would be special allowances and incentives targeted towards activities relating to research, design, generation, storage, transmission and use of renewable energy sources.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is seeking help, input and support across Government, the energy Industry and academia to establish the Western Isles as an Energy Innovation Zone.

With our natural resources we believe the Western Isles can become the renewable energy capital of Europe!"

The Western Isles - Na h-Eileanan an lar

Unrivalled Natural Resources

The Western Isles are high on the world's league table in terms of wave, wind and tidal power.

The immensely rich, renewable energy resource is so far untapped. Yet it offers
an environment ideal for energy research, innovation and production which will not only create employment and investment opportunities in the Western Isles, but also accelerate the process of devising viable technologies for generating, distributing, storing and using renewable energy.

The Western Isles - Na h-Eileanan an lar

WE WANT YOUR VIEWS

We want your views on what conditions and incentives would promote alternative energy research, innovation and development in the Western Isles. Please contact Derek McKim, Head of European and Development Services, or log on to our website and pass on your views and advice.

Tel: 01851 709270
Fax: 01851 709205
E.mail: dmckim@cne-siar.gov.uk
or visit www.cne-siar.gov.uk/energy

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Sandwick Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2BW

The Western Isles - Na h-Eileanan an lar

A Tailored Infrastructure

The Comhairle and its partners have already built a business infrastructure geared to the needs of contemporary business across the Isles. Electronic and telecommunications are modern, reliable and efficient. And the Isles enjoy access to a wide range of excellent business support services.

The community is focused on retaining the unique environment & quality of life in the Islands. At the same time, they and the Comhairle are determined to create sustainable, economic growth.

"With the right support, we know we can deliver. This process of consultation is geared to finalising our submission to Government to designate the Western Isles an Energy Innovation Zone."