The trials and triumphs of Orkney communities' power trip

The trials and triumphs of Orkney communities' power trip

The Orkney island communities of Shapinsay, Stronsay, Hoy, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre have all recently installed their community-owned wind turbines which are now bringing much needed income for these communities. This is the culmination of several years of hard work and committment to address real need within each community, such as high levels of fuel poverty. At our recent annual conference, Community Energy Scotland's Orkney development officer, Mark Hull, shared the joys (getting planning consent and funding!) and also the trials of installing their turbines. Recent trials included unloading ferries in gale force winds, navigating delivery trucks around bendy island roads and problems with bent turbine bolts! However once installed each turbine earned at least £2000 income in its first 24 hours of operation and all the income is going directly to each community. In Mark’s words “Each of these communities now feels it has its hand on wheel, steering its own destiny”. Mark’s presentation really demonstrated the benefits of communities working together on local initiatives to achieve long-term goals.

Mark Hull - Orkney Revenue Generation Projects - CES Conference 25th October 2011