With their 30th anniversary celebrations over, Scotland’s three islands Council’s are working together again - putting forward the case for new grid capacity to the Mainland for all the islands.

The three authorities will launch a joint lobby document ‘Creating Connections’ at the All Energy Exhibition and Conference in Aberdeen on May 25, where all three Councils have stands. The document makes the case for creating or strengthening grid connections from the islands to the Mainland, in order to allow the enormous renewables potential of the islands to be exploited and help Scotland meet its renewables targets.

It is hoped that, combined, the three island groups can send a stronger message to decision makers than working on their own. The document is one part of a campaign to build political support for the islands case and make people aware of the renewable energy potential in the islands of Scotland.

The document shows that Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles have some of the strongest wind, biggest wave and swiftest tidal regimes not just in the UK but in the world. The potential power supply from the islands is significantly better than from anywhere else in the UK, which could make the region a renewables centre for the whole country. However, none of this can happen until the island’s interconnectors to the Mainland have been strengthened.

Officials and Councillors from Orkney Islands Council are attending the exhibition alongside several of the companies that form Orkney Renewable Energy Forum. OIC’s Director of Development Services, Jeremy Baster, said:

“The existing grid system was designed to bring centrally-produced power to peripheral areas, such as Orkney. With the shift in emphasis to renewable energy, it is the peripheral areas which are best placed to produce power - in Orkney’s case, particularly wave and tidal generation. In order to allow the development of these emerging technologies, it is vital that the grid capacity connecting Orkney to the Mainland is increased so that this energy can reach the areas where it is needed. There is a long lead time for grid strengthening, so it is important to plan for it now. “

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Chairman of Sustainable Development, Cllr Archie Campbell, said: “I very much welcome the publication of this document which clearly sets out the case for the development of renewables in the islands, outlining the key advantages and potential of the Islands and why they are ideal locations for investment and upgraded grid connection.
The renewables sector offers economic opportunities for all the Island groups and it is vital that we persuade those in government and elsewhere that the islands have a key role to play in meeting Scotland and the UK’s renewable energy targets but to do so will require investment and upgraded grid connections.”

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk