Although this blog was discontinued in July 2014, I am briefly reopening it to report on an issue that Arnish Lighthouse was very vocal on.
Local journalist Iain Maciver
has revealed that power company GDF / Suez has cancelled the
construction of the 39-turbine windfarm in the Eishken district of
Lewis. The reasons appear to be that the procrastination over the
building of the high voltage sub-sea electricity cable (interconnector)
was one of the main reasons. The economic case for said cable has always
been flimsy, and is now no longer viable. What renewable energy schemes
are left in the island, including the 26-turbine windfarm to the
northeast in Pairc, are insufficient to make the case for the cable.
Since 2005, this blog has been very vocal in its opposition to any large-scale windfarms in Lewis.
The 180-turbine North Lewis windfarm was scuttled in 2008, after it was
found to be in breach of an EU habitat directive that is in place for
the central moorlands of the island. Any plans for a resurrection on a
smaller scale are now at least in doubt.
There is a silver lining for those to whom this news constitutes a
cloud. A cancellation clause means that £2 million pounds of community
benefit will be transferred to community groups, who were due to receive
£1m annually, had the windfarm materialised.
Showing posts with label Windfarms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Windfarms. Show all posts
Monday, 29 June 2015
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
In clear contravention
It is a duty of our elected representatives to make decisions on our
behalf, sometimes going against public feeling. Our elected
representatives have more information than we, as individuals, may have.
A council, like Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has established policies to
deal with (e.g.) planning applications for windfarms. To just throw
those policies to the winds leaves the council, to my mind, with serious
questions to answer. But will anyone ever ask those questions?
I am referring to the decision by the CnES planning committee to allow 14 turbines, each standing 126 metres (just over 400 feet) tall, to be built inland from North Tolsta, between Tolsta Glen and Diridean.
The scheme:
To my mind, having observed the saga of windfarms on Lewis over the past decade, it wasn’t the popular vote that swayed the planning committee. It was the fact that the scheme and its 42 MW output would provide the electricity needed to make the proposed interconnector to the mainland economically viable. SSE, who have spent this year dragging their feet over the issue, is due to make a decision before the end of December.
As ever, full council is expected to rubberstamp the planning committee’s decision later in the week. Oh, the community benefit will amount to a mouth-watering if not eye-watering £294k per annum.
I am referring to the decision by the CnES planning committee to allow 14 turbines, each standing 126 metres (just over 400 feet) tall, to be built inland from North Tolsta, between Tolsta Glen and Diridean.
The scheme:
- is too close to habitation
- breaks the Western Isles Development plan
- carries significant impacts on landscape, amenity and homes
- endangers golden eagles at its northernmost point
To my mind, having observed the saga of windfarms on Lewis over the past decade, it wasn’t the popular vote that swayed the planning committee. It was the fact that the scheme and its 42 MW output would provide the electricity needed to make the proposed interconnector to the mainland economically viable. SSE, who have spent this year dragging their feet over the issue, is due to make a decision before the end of December.
As ever, full council is expected to rubberstamp the planning committee’s decision later in the week. Oh, the community benefit will amount to a mouth-watering if not eye-watering £294k per annum.
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Pairc buy-out
I have received information regarding the amicable buy-out of the
Pairc estate, which was agreed to at a public meeting last Thursday
(21st). One line stood out like a sore thumb.
The present Landlord will only consider the amicable purchase of the estate providing he will still benefit from any wind farm development post purchase, as if he was still the Landlord.
There is an interposed lease between PRL (Pairc Renewables Ltd) and SSE regarding the proposed windfarm. The SSE part has been taken over by the neighbouring Eishken Estate. Do not forget, in this context, that the Eishken Estate already has a windfarm (Muaitheabhal) ready to be constructed. They now stand to gain even more, once the Pairc Windfarm is up and running.
The outgoing Landlord will receive the same income from the 26-turbine windfarm as the Pairc Trust, namely £330,000 per annum. In spite of the fact, that (as outlined above) he no longer owns any land. £330,000 is not a small amount of money for you and me, but actually only amounts to £1,000 per person per year. That won’t go awfully far if we’re talking about economic regeneration. Two individuals will become very rich, gaining £8.4m over the 25-year lifespan of the project.
There are currently only 26 windturbines in the planning, but if the community wants more (thereby increasing their revenue), they can get more.
This is all depending on the construction of the interconnector (the sub-sea high-voltage electricity cable to the mainland). I am told informally that this is a done deal.
I feel, very strongly, that the people of Pairc have been sold down the river for a chest of beads and mirrors. How on earth, after all these years of obstruction, divide & rule and non-cooperation from the Landlord, could people acquiesce to such terms?
The present Landlord will only consider the amicable purchase of the estate providing he will still benefit from any wind farm development post purchase, as if he was still the Landlord.
There is an interposed lease between PRL (Pairc Renewables Ltd) and SSE regarding the proposed windfarm. The SSE part has been taken over by the neighbouring Eishken Estate. Do not forget, in this context, that the Eishken Estate already has a windfarm (Muaitheabhal) ready to be constructed. They now stand to gain even more, once the Pairc Windfarm is up and running.
The outgoing Landlord will receive the same income from the 26-turbine windfarm as the Pairc Trust, namely £330,000 per annum. In spite of the fact, that (as outlined above) he no longer owns any land. £330,000 is not a small amount of money for you and me, but actually only amounts to £1,000 per person per year. That won’t go awfully far if we’re talking about economic regeneration. Two individuals will become very rich, gaining £8.4m over the 25-year lifespan of the project.
There are currently only 26 windturbines in the planning, but if the community wants more (thereby increasing their revenue), they can get more.
This is all depending on the construction of the interconnector (the sub-sea high-voltage electricity cable to the mainland). I am told informally that this is a done deal.
I feel, very strongly, that the people of Pairc have been sold down the river for a chest of beads and mirrors. How on earth, after all these years of obstruction, divide & rule and non-cooperation from the Landlord, could people acquiesce to such terms?
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Windfarm subsidy approved
The UK government has announced
that renewable energy schemes based on Scottish islands (like the
Western Isles) will be given a higher subsidy than its mainland
counterparts. This effectively is an incentive to build onshore
windfarms in the islands.
This means that the interconnector, the subsea electricity cable taking the power to the mainland, will now be constructed as will the windfarms in Eishken and elsewhere.
This blogger has consistently spoken out against onshore windfarms in these islands. This decision is particularly galling, as the groundswell of public opinion has changed markedly in recent years. An increasing number of onshore windfarms on the mainland have been denied planning permission in the face of mounting public opposition. To my mind, the British government have designated the Scottish islands as the dumping ground for those renewable energy projects (read: windfarms) that nobody else wants, and which are nothing more than paying lipservice to the notion of green energy. Windfarms are inefficient and unreliable sources of energy (the last few days have shown how variable our windspeeds are).
This is a bad decision for our islands, who don’t stand to gain anything like what the development companies will be getting in terms of subsidies and revenue. We’re getting the beads and mirrors whilst our resources are being plundered. I’m not talking about wind energy. Having windturbines around destroys the wilderness aspect that lures so many tourists to these islands. It’s tourism that’s the mainstay of these islands’ economy, stupid. The windfarm in Eishken will yield a few million pounds in community benefit, once Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have worked out how to apply for charitable status for the relevant trust body that is supposed to receive those benefits.
Over the next two years, we’ll see a large fleet of construction vehicles on our roads. Over the next quarter century, the skyline of the Long Island will be marred by a large number of windturbines. Employment prospects for island workers will be low during the construction phase and negligible afterwards. We will not have the benefit of lower electricity prices. We only stand to lose from this announcement.
This means that the interconnector, the subsea electricity cable taking the power to the mainland, will now be constructed as will the windfarms in Eishken and elsewhere.
This blogger has consistently spoken out against onshore windfarms in these islands. This decision is particularly galling, as the groundswell of public opinion has changed markedly in recent years. An increasing number of onshore windfarms on the mainland have been denied planning permission in the face of mounting public opposition. To my mind, the British government have designated the Scottish islands as the dumping ground for those renewable energy projects (read: windfarms) that nobody else wants, and which are nothing more than paying lipservice to the notion of green energy. Windfarms are inefficient and unreliable sources of energy (the last few days have shown how variable our windspeeds are).
This is a bad decision for our islands, who don’t stand to gain anything like what the development companies will be getting in terms of subsidies and revenue. We’re getting the beads and mirrors whilst our resources are being plundered. I’m not talking about wind energy. Having windturbines around destroys the wilderness aspect that lures so many tourists to these islands. It’s tourism that’s the mainstay of these islands’ economy, stupid. The windfarm in Eishken will yield a few million pounds in community benefit, once Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have worked out how to apply for charitable status for the relevant trust body that is supposed to receive those benefits.
Over the next two years, we’ll see a large fleet of construction vehicles on our roads. Over the next quarter century, the skyline of the Long Island will be marred by a large number of windturbines. Employment prospects for island workers will be low during the construction phase and negligible afterwards. We will not have the benefit of lower electricity prices. We only stand to lose from this announcement.
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Interconnector disconnected
Another posting on the subject of the interconnector. This morning, I
grabbed a copy of the Press and Journal and was pleased to read that
the interconnector will not now be built until 2017, if at all. It
became grimly amusing when I subsequently picked up a copy of the
Stornoway Gazette, which was still highlighting a report, which promised
3,500 jobs in the Western Isles out of the renewables industry -
provided problems like the interconnector are addressed. The problem
will not be addressed in favour of the renewables industry, as the
economical case is too weak, in a nutshell.
A decade has been spent by (amongst others) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar trying to get large, shore-based windfarms to these islands. The writing was already on the wall as far back as 2008, when the 180-turbine Barvas Moor windfarm was torpedoed. This was to have been the salvation of the Western Isles economy, with the diaspora flocking home to the 400 jobs at the Arnish Fabrication Yard.
The Eishken windfarm was rubberstamped in a much reduced form, with beads and mirrors being dangled in front of us in the shape of the community benefit - which although fairly substantial, was in no proportion to the profits to be generated by developers and landowners. This too is now dead in the water, as its output requires the interconnector.
I am not going to sit here being accused of wanting to keep these islands back. Far from it. I fully back the Comhairle in its attempts to attract sustainable, long-term and large-scale employment to the Outer Hebrides. Embracing the renewables industry in the way that the Comhairle has done thus far has turned out to be a non-starter. I acknowledge that the geography has proved to be a major stumbling block. But a single focus, rather than taking a diversified approach, did not help either.
A decade has been spent by (amongst others) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar trying to get large, shore-based windfarms to these islands. The writing was already on the wall as far back as 2008, when the 180-turbine Barvas Moor windfarm was torpedoed. This was to have been the salvation of the Western Isles economy, with the diaspora flocking home to the 400 jobs at the Arnish Fabrication Yard.
The Eishken windfarm was rubberstamped in a much reduced form, with beads and mirrors being dangled in front of us in the shape of the community benefit - which although fairly substantial, was in no proportion to the profits to be generated by developers and landowners. This too is now dead in the water, as its output requires the interconnector.
I am not going to sit here being accused of wanting to keep these islands back. Far from it. I fully back the Comhairle in its attempts to attract sustainable, long-term and large-scale employment to the Outer Hebrides. Embracing the renewables industry in the way that the Comhairle has done thus far has turned out to be a non-starter. I acknowledge that the geography has proved to be a major stumbling block. But a single focus, rather than taking a diversified approach, did not help either.
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Pairc buy-out
The latest twist in the tortuous proceedings of the Pairc buy-out
has occurred. The Court of Session in Edinburgh has ruled that the
community buy-out plans do NOT, as alleged by landowner Barry Lomas,
infringe the landowner’s human rights. The next step in this seemingly
endless wrangle will be a ruling by a sheriff at Stornoway Sheriff Court
whether the ballot by the community in South Lochs on the proposed
buy-out was flawed, or not. This is expected to happen in January.
The buy-out relates to unoccupied common land, away from the villages on the Pairc peninsula. In itself, this is not worth a lot, but a proposed windfarm could propel its value (currently unknown) into the millions of pounds.
A vote to investigate the possibility of mounting a community buy-out of the Pairc estate was taken in November 2004. A ballot in favour of mounting a hostile buy-out bid was taken in December 2009, making it the first instance of a hostile buy-out under the right-to-buy legislation, enacted in 2003.
The buy-out relates to unoccupied common land, away from the villages on the Pairc peninsula. In itself, this is not worth a lot, but a proposed windfarm could propel its value (currently unknown) into the millions of pounds.
A vote to investigate the possibility of mounting a community buy-out of the Pairc estate was taken in November 2004. A ballot in favour of mounting a hostile buy-out bid was taken in December 2009, making it the first instance of a hostile buy-out under the right-to-buy legislation, enacted in 2003.
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
SSE withdraws from Pairc windfarm
SSE have today announced
that they are withdrawing from the proposed 26-turbine 94 MW windfarm
at Pairc (South Lochs) in the Isle of Lewis for environmental reasons.
This is major news, for several reasons.
It is good to hear that a major player in the renewable energy market, SSE, now recognises that environmental constraints are a good reasons for not siting a windfarm in sensitive areas. Colonies of golden eagles and other raptors were at increased risk of colliding with the turbine blades. It is to be hoped that this approach will be applied to other windfarm schemes across the Scottish Highlands.
Bearing this in mind, the question could be asked whether the Muaitheabhal and Pentland Road windfarms, which have been approved, should not now be reconsidered on their environmental (de)merits. Construction of both schemes is due to begin within the next 12 months.
The implications on a local level are equally major. The Pairc windfarm was one of the schemes that would contribute towards the renewable energy output to be generated in the island, to justify the construction of the interconnector (sub sea cable) to the Scottish mainland. At present, only the Muaitheabhal windfarm in Eishken and the Pentland Road scheme appear to be contributing - and I am not certain that the threshold is now going to be met.
The potential construction of a windfarm on the Pairc Estate has been one of the stumbling blocks for progressing the community buy-out in South Lochs. Had SSE proceeded with the windfarm, this would have caused the value of the land to skyrocket out of the reach of the Pairc Trust, who have striven for nearly a decade to take the estate into community ownership. This being no longer the case, the likelihood of a successful buy-out appears to have taken a substantial boost.
It is good to hear that a major player in the renewable energy market, SSE, now recognises that environmental constraints are a good reasons for not siting a windfarm in sensitive areas. Colonies of golden eagles and other raptors were at increased risk of colliding with the turbine blades. It is to be hoped that this approach will be applied to other windfarm schemes across the Scottish Highlands.
Bearing this in mind, the question could be asked whether the Muaitheabhal and Pentland Road windfarms, which have been approved, should not now be reconsidered on their environmental (de)merits. Construction of both schemes is due to begin within the next 12 months.
The implications on a local level are equally major. The Pairc windfarm was one of the schemes that would contribute towards the renewable energy output to be generated in the island, to justify the construction of the interconnector (sub sea cable) to the Scottish mainland. At present, only the Muaitheabhal windfarm in Eishken and the Pentland Road scheme appear to be contributing - and I am not certain that the threshold is now going to be met.
The potential construction of a windfarm on the Pairc Estate has been one of the stumbling blocks for progressing the community buy-out in South Lochs. Had SSE proceeded with the windfarm, this would have caused the value of the land to skyrocket out of the reach of the Pairc Trust, who have striven for nearly a decade to take the estate into community ownership. This being no longer the case, the likelihood of a successful buy-out appears to have taken a substantial boost.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Eishken Windfarm
A new investor has come aboard for the Eishken Windfarm,
meaning that construction can now start in 2013 and electricity
production in 2016. I refer to the linked article for further
information. Without rehashing my well-known position on the issue of
on-shore windfarms, I will only ask one question.
This windfarm is dependent on the interconnector, the subsea electricity cable linking Lewis and Wester Ross, for exporting all that electricity to the mainland. Is there any certainty that the interconnector is going to be built? Because building a huge big windfarm with attendant infrastructure (pylons, cables, substations) - and then suddenly realising there is no way to get the power off to the consumers in the National Grid, sounds to me like monumental folly.
However, I am equally aware that this could also be a method for accellerating the interconnector through the planning process.
Apart from the interconnector, there is also the minor matter of a high-voltage powercable from Wester Ross to Beauly, for that National Grid link-up. Because that link is not built or certain to be built either.
This windfarm is dependent on the interconnector, the subsea electricity cable linking Lewis and Wester Ross, for exporting all that electricity to the mainland. Is there any certainty that the interconnector is going to be built? Because building a huge big windfarm with attendant infrastructure (pylons, cables, substations) - and then suddenly realising there is no way to get the power off to the consumers in the National Grid, sounds to me like monumental folly.
However, I am equally aware that this could also be a method for accellerating the interconnector through the planning process.
Apart from the interconnector, there is also the minor matter of a high-voltage powercable from Wester Ross to Beauly, for that National Grid link-up. Because that link is not built or certain to be built either.
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Windfarms
Windfarms certainly are money-spinners. Operators get paid for the
electricity they generate. The BBC reports that operators were recently
paid for stopping their windfarms, as the output outstripped the capacity of the electricity grid. That is a classical win-win situation.
I also seem to remember that the three windturbines on the Grimshader Road are capable of outperforming the local grid here in Lewis. And more windfarms are proposed for this island? Something has just become really clear to me. Whether they work or not, a windfarm will always make money. But not for us consumers - and the mirrors and beads that are proposed in the guise of community benefit are risable.
I also seem to remember that the three windturbines on the Grimshader Road are capable of outperforming the local grid here in Lewis. And more windfarms are proposed for this island? Something has just become really clear to me. Whether they work or not, a windfarm will always make money. But not for us consumers - and the mirrors and beads that are proposed in the guise of community benefit are risable.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Renewables expo
Attended the Martins Memorial Hall this afternoon to view an exhibition by Stornoway Wind, where proposals for a windfarm west of the town of Stornoway were put on display. It is for 47 turbines in the area broadly
between the Barvas Hills and the Grimshader road. If all goes according
to plan, the windfarm will be operational by 2015.
The expo also expounded on the community benefit, which includes economic and environmental benefits, such as jobs and reduction of carbon footprints.
There were several photo montages, showing how the windfarm would look from various parts of the island, from Ranish in the south of Barvas in the north. And I still don’t like the prospect of a flurry of 300 ft turbines barbed-wiring the skyline. Call me a nimby, but I have not changed my mind since the large AMEC windfarm hit the buffers a few years ago.
On a more positive note, I was pleased to see plans afoot to install a Pelamis (sea-snake) wave energy generator north of Great Bernera. This has virtually no visual impact, although I can imagine that it would be in the way of local fishery. Whether such is the case needs to be investigated.
The only drawback to this project, (and additionally to the windfarm project as well) is that the energy, generated by these renewables assets has to be exported to the National Grid, necessitating the building of a submarine electricity cable, colloquially referred to as the Interconnector. I have expressed my opposition to this project in previous posts - in summary, it would industrialise the village of Gravir (where the cable would come ashore in Lewis), burden the Lochs district with large electricity pylons and have a substantial impact on the West Highlands (from Dundonnell to Beauly).
The expo also expounded on the community benefit, which includes economic and environmental benefits, such as jobs and reduction of carbon footprints.
There were several photo montages, showing how the windfarm would look from various parts of the island, from Ranish in the south of Barvas in the north. And I still don’t like the prospect of a flurry of 300 ft turbines barbed-wiring the skyline. Call me a nimby, but I have not changed my mind since the large AMEC windfarm hit the buffers a few years ago.
On a more positive note, I was pleased to see plans afoot to install a Pelamis (sea-snake) wave energy generator north of Great Bernera. This has virtually no visual impact, although I can imagine that it would be in the way of local fishery. Whether such is the case needs to be investigated.
The only drawback to this project, (and additionally to the windfarm project as well) is that the energy, generated by these renewables assets has to be exported to the National Grid, necessitating the building of a submarine electricity cable, colloquially referred to as the Interconnector. I have expressed my opposition to this project in previous posts - in summary, it would industrialise the village of Gravir (where the cable would come ashore in Lewis), burden the Lochs district with large electricity pylons and have a substantial impact on the West Highlands (from Dundonnell to Beauly).
Saturday, 25 September 2010
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Windfarms
The overwhelming and recurring theme of my nearly five years as Arnish Lighthouse has been: windfarms. And once again, not to be defeated (or not to be seen to be defeated), a large windfarm development has been launched. Its environmental impact has been published at any rate. A 50-turbine development on land, which has been cleared for such a development, namely in the Bermuda triangle, otherwise known as the tract of pristine Lewis moor, bordered by the Lochs Road in the east, the Pentland Road to the north and west, and the Cleascro Road to the south. A community coordinator is to be appointed by Stornoway Trust, the landowners. All very noble endeavours, I'm sure, for an enterprise that nobody really wants. For such was one of the outcomes of the AMEC windfarm in North Lewis, which foundered on an EU habitat designation a few years ago.
I just cannot get over the blinkered approach adopted by those in local government in Lewis who do not seem to get the message that on-shore windfarms are (to quote an internet contact) "so yesterday" and so not wanted. Worse than that, over the past couple of years, novel sources of renewable energy have risen above the horizon of technical feasibility. How about that tidal barrage at Shader (Barvas)? How about the tidal generator that was lowered into the Pentland Firth off Caithness recently? And since that episode in March this year, when the output of all of Scotland's windfarms was enough to boil 1,000 kettles, I have comprehensively gone off the idea of adopting windfarms as a credible source for our energy requirements.
By all means, Stornoway Trust, adopt a policy of encouraging renewable energy. But please, don't be so narrow in your scope. You won't be the one whose pockets will be lined through this windfarm. You'll be left with the mirrors and beads - whilst the fat cats in the energy industry will grow even fatter.
I just cannot get over the blinkered approach adopted by those in local government in Lewis who do not seem to get the message that on-shore windfarms are (to quote an internet contact) "so yesterday" and so not wanted. Worse than that, over the past couple of years, novel sources of renewable energy have risen above the horizon of technical feasibility. How about that tidal barrage at Shader (Barvas)? How about the tidal generator that was lowered into the Pentland Firth off Caithness recently? And since that episode in March this year, when the output of all of Scotland's windfarms was enough to boil 1,000 kettles, I have comprehensively gone off the idea of adopting windfarms as a credible source for our energy requirements.
By all means, Stornoway Trust, adopt a policy of encouraging renewable energy. But please, don't be so narrow in your scope. You won't be the one whose pockets will be lined through this windfarm. You'll be left with the mirrors and beads - whilst the fat cats in the energy industry will grow even fatter.
Friday, 9 July 2010
Pointless
I have used the title of this post advisedly, and I hope nobody in Point will take this too personally. The Norwegian energy company Statoil has proposed to build two windfarms in the Minch, off Bayble and between Ness and Cape Wrath. The structures, towering 100 metres above the water and an equal length below, would be build in clusters. Each turbine is anchored to the seabed. The people in Point have voiced their opposition, as it would spoil the view. Hmm. Isn't it the community enterprise Point and Sandwick Power that is proposing to build a windfarm off the Pentland Road - and that is NOT going to spoil the view?
Anyway, the Bayble windfarm will be linked to the Gravir interconnector (do I detect another attempt to justify the construction of the interconnector?) to the mainland.
The Stornoway Gazette, in its edition of 8 July, published the results of an unofficial poll, which revealed that 82% of respondents were opposed to the construction of a(nother) large windfarm in Lewis. I think the same applies to offshore. I appreciate that there would be a large element of NIMBY'ism about, but I see no benefit to the island for the Minch windfarms. And the recent problems with no wind just served to underline the folly in overreliance on wind-energy.
Anyway, the Bayble windfarm will be linked to the Gravir interconnector (do I detect another attempt to justify the construction of the interconnector?) to the mainland.
The Stornoway Gazette, in its edition of 8 July, published the results of an unofficial poll, which revealed that 82% of respondents were opposed to the construction of a(nother) large windfarm in Lewis. I think the same applies to offshore. I appreciate that there would be a large element of NIMBY'ism about, but I see no benefit to the island for the Minch windfarms. And the recent problems with no wind just served to underline the folly in overreliance on wind-energy.
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Eishken East
Eishken Estate owner Nick Oppenheim has unveiled plans to build 6 turbines in addition to the recently approved Muaitheabhal windfarm, consisting of 33 turbines. 1% of revenue from this windfarm, entitled Eishken East, will be placed into a community fund by Mr Oppenheim.
Although I do not (yet) know the geographical location of this community windfarm, it would appear to be resulting from the cheese slicer policy adopted by Mr O. Initially, he had wanted to build more than 100 turbines on his estate, but eventually pared it down to 33. Building subsequent, much smaller windfarms (under the banner of community benefit) makes it easier to go through the planning processes. And knowing the preferences of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, this will certainly be rubberstamped.
It is plain to see that we're going to be landed with the mirrors and beads, whilst the natural resources of this island are being laid waste. Although we're having a gale today, there is no guarantee that the windturbines will always be able to operate. Events in the Isle of Eigg, nearly totally relying on renewable energy, this week showed the reliability of wind energy. There was no wind, and there was no rain for weeks either, leaving the Eiggeach to switch on their much maligned diesel generators.
Although I do not (yet) know the geographical location of this community windfarm, it would appear to be resulting from the cheese slicer policy adopted by Mr O. Initially, he had wanted to build more than 100 turbines on his estate, but eventually pared it down to 33. Building subsequent, much smaller windfarms (under the banner of community benefit) makes it easier to go through the planning processes. And knowing the preferences of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, this will certainly be rubberstamped.
It is plain to see that we're going to be landed with the mirrors and beads, whilst the natural resources of this island are being laid waste. Although we're having a gale today, there is no guarantee that the windturbines will always be able to operate. Events in the Isle of Eigg, nearly totally relying on renewable energy, this week showed the reliability of wind energy. There was no wind, and there was no rain for weeks either, leaving the Eiggeach to switch on their much maligned diesel generators.
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Stornoway Windfarm
Two years ago, the Scottish Government refused planning permission for a 181-turbine windfarm stretching from Port of Ness in the north of Lewis through Bragar south to Stornoway. The developers, AMEC, have now announced they are considering a smaller development of some 30 turbines, stretching from the Pentland Road in the north to Achmore and Loch Leurbost in the south and points east of this line across the Arnish Moor to the coast. Hebrides News, which is the source of this story, points out the environmental impact this development is likely to have - and that the same arguments for rejection will apply that were used in 2008 against AMEC's larger developments further north.
AMEC have also not booked 'space' on the Gravir to Dundonnell interconnector, as they were originally going to put in a cable linking the former development to Hunterston, 250 miles away in Ayrshire.
I gather that the Stornoway Trust would be quite happy to have this development in its territory - and I dig up the phrases I used in the years 2005-2008 when voicing my opposition to the big windfarm on this blog. Blinded by money, with hopefully good intentions of furthering the island's economy in mind - but likely to be taken to the cleaners by AMEC.
I wonder when people are going to learn from their mistakes. Are we going to be in for another number of years of wasted money on developments that are going to be turned down at any rate? It was clear that the 181-turbine plan was going to be turned down from the moment the planning application was lodged - as the Comhairle should have known. I'm sure they are going to rubberstamp this fantastic development as they have done with the Eishken windfarm - and they are once more going to come out with egg on their faces at the end of the process.
AMEC have also not booked 'space' on the Gravir to Dundonnell interconnector, as they were originally going to put in a cable linking the former development to Hunterston, 250 miles away in Ayrshire.
I gather that the Stornoway Trust would be quite happy to have this development in its territory - and I dig up the phrases I used in the years 2005-2008 when voicing my opposition to the big windfarm on this blog. Blinded by money, with hopefully good intentions of furthering the island's economy in mind - but likely to be taken to the cleaners by AMEC.
I wonder when people are going to learn from their mistakes. Are we going to be in for another number of years of wasted money on developments that are going to be turned down at any rate? It was clear that the 181-turbine plan was going to be turned down from the moment the planning application was lodged - as the Comhairle should have known. I'm sure they are going to rubberstamp this fantastic development as they have done with the Eishken windfarm - and they are once more going to come out with egg on their faces at the end of the process.
Monday, 19 April 2010
Porkies in Pairc
Allegations have surfaced this weekend that Pairc Estate owner Barry Lomas has sought to disseminate misinformation about the Pairc Trust. I have clapped eyes on said allegations, and caught myself wondering whether I was staring down a particularly black South Lochs peatbog. There are three conclusions I can draw.
1. Pairc Estate is telling the truth, meaning that the Pairc Trust is asymptotically close to being unfit for purpose.
2. Pairc Trust is telling the truth, meaning that Pairc Estate is doing everything it can to thwart the community buy-out.
3. Neither are entirely right, neither are entirely wrong and we're looking at a complete breakdown in relations between parties concerned.
I am not prepared to become a conduit for the war of words that currently rages between Loch Erisort and Loch Shell, but as I have posted on this issue before, I feel I have to relay what is going on. Please do not ask for details.
1. Pairc Estate is telling the truth, meaning that the Pairc Trust is asymptotically close to being unfit for purpose.
2. Pairc Trust is telling the truth, meaning that Pairc Estate is doing everything it can to thwart the community buy-out.
3. Neither are entirely right, neither are entirely wrong and we're looking at a complete breakdown in relations between parties concerned.
I am not prepared to become a conduit for the war of words that currently rages between Loch Erisort and Loch Shell, but as I have posted on this issue before, I feel I have to relay what is going on. Please do not ask for details.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Juxtaposition
And now I'm really in an impossible position. The Pairc Trust, which seeks to launch a hostile buy-out bid to oust sitting landlord Barry Lomas, is hoping to fund said buy-out bid by getting the community benefit from the giant windfarm, proposed for the Pairc Estate (see this article on Heb News).
I have supported the Scottish community buy-out movement for 14 years, starting with the Isle of Eigg and continuing with Pairc.
I have also voiced my strong opposition to the 500 ft turbines proposed for the Pairc Estate as environmental vandalism.
So, Arnish Lighthouse is now caught between Scylla and Charibdes.
I have supported the Scottish community buy-out movement for 14 years, starting with the Isle of Eigg and continuing with Pairc.
I have also voiced my strong opposition to the 500 ft turbines proposed for the Pairc Estate as environmental vandalism.
So, Arnish Lighthouse is now caught between Scylla and Charibdes.
Friday, 26 March 2010
Powerlines
The company responsible for maintaining the electricity transmission infrastructure in Scotland, SHETL, has unveiled its plans for linking the so-called interconnector to the island grid. This will involve a high-voltage (132 kilovolt) powerline from the Creed River substation to the Arnish Fabrication Yard, thence by subsea cable to a large electricity substation, to be built at Gravir in South Lochs. That is the point where electricity, generated by landbased renewable energy projects in Lewis (e.g. the Eishken Windfarm, the Shader Tidal Barrage and various community windfarms) will be transmitted to the mainland using the interconnector. This subsea cable will link from Little Loch Broom to Beauly (near Inverness), and onwards to Denny in Stirlingshire using the upgraded high-voltage link across the Highlands.
This is all subject to approval by the Scottish Government of the Interconnector and the Arnish to Gravir subsea cable. The project is cited as necessary to pipe all the power, generated by renewable projects, away to the mainland.
A few weeks ago, it was reported that a weather pattern was in place one day which created flat calm conditions across Scotland. All the windfarms in the country, from the Borders to the Northern Isles, only managed to generate enough power that day to boil 1,000 kettles. That would have left an awful lot of folk with cold cups of tea. And we're supposed to rely on that for all our power? Just as well a new tranche of renewable energy project was released this week, related to tidal and wave power in the Pentland Firth, between Orkney and Caithness.
This is all subject to approval by the Scottish Government of the Interconnector and the Arnish to Gravir subsea cable. The project is cited as necessary to pipe all the power, generated by renewable projects, away to the mainland.
A few weeks ago, it was reported that a weather pattern was in place one day which created flat calm conditions across Scotland. All the windfarms in the country, from the Borders to the Northern Isles, only managed to generate enough power that day to boil 1,000 kettles. That would have left an awful lot of folk with cold cups of tea. And we're supposed to rely on that for all our power? Just as well a new tranche of renewable energy project was released this week, related to tidal and wave power in the Pentland Firth, between Orkney and Caithness.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Eishken Windfarm
With reference to Victor Meldrew's (of One Foot in the Grave fame) favourite exclamation in mind, I clapped eyes on this article on Hebrides News. I find this unbelieveable. But it's coming from a reasonable reliable source, so I assume it to be true.
Eishken Estate owner Nicholas Oppenheim proposes to sell the sites for the Muaitheabhal windfarm to a company which will construct the windfarm. Whether Mr Oppenheim will retain part ownership is not clear. I cannot make head nor tail of this saga.
Eishken Estate owner Nicholas Oppenheim proposes to sell the sites for the Muaitheabhal windfarm to a company which will construct the windfarm. Whether Mr Oppenheim will retain part ownership is not clear. I cannot make head nor tail of this saga.
Friday, 15 January 2010
Eishken Windfarm - community benefit?
Hebrides News has published an article, outlining the benefits to be bestowed on the community of South Lochs through the construction of the Muaitheabhal Project, better known as the Eishken Windfarm. These benefits will leave South Lochs out of pocket to the tune of £6.9m. Let me explain.
Initial expenditure
Four turbine sites in the windfarm: £0
Four turbine towers: £18.5m
Contribution to Western Isles Council development fund: £11.5m
Total initial expenditure: £30m
Income
1% of income of main windfarm: £8.75m
Revenue of own turbines: £21.6m
I should clarify that it is unclear whether the above two figures are per annum or over the lifetime of the project
Total income: £30.35m
Contribution
Contribution to Western Isles Council Development Fund: £7.2m (1/3 of revenue, as above)
Net income for Muaitheabhal Community Trust
-£6.9m
Apart from the figures quoted above, The Western Isles Community Development fund will receive £4.4m from the main windfarm over the lifetime of the project, which means £26m in total.
It should be noted that the £18m required to construct the turbines will have to be coughed up by the villagers of South Lochs, whose number stands at a few hundred. Eishken estate owner Nicholas Oppenheimer has set up a loan structure for the South Lochs folks to borrow the money.
I will go so far as to call this "community benefit" a screw-up of monumental proportions. Naturally, if I have misread the article, or if there are clarifications which need to be added to the figures quoted in the article, then I'd be more than pleased to modify this post accordingly.
Initial expenditure
Four turbine sites in the windfarm: £0
Four turbine towers: £18.5m
Contribution to Western Isles Council development fund: £11.5m
Total initial expenditure: £30m
Income
1% of income of main windfarm: £8.75m
Revenue of own turbines: £21.6m
I should clarify that it is unclear whether the above two figures are per annum or over the lifetime of the project
Total income: £30.35m
Contribution
Contribution to Western Isles Council Development Fund: £7.2m (1/3 of revenue, as above)
Net income for Muaitheabhal Community Trust
-£6.9m
Apart from the figures quoted above, The Western Isles Community Development fund will receive £4.4m from the main windfarm over the lifetime of the project, which means £26m in total.
It should be noted that the £18m required to construct the turbines will have to be coughed up by the villagers of South Lochs, whose number stands at a few hundred. Eishken estate owner Nicholas Oppenheimer has set up a loan structure for the South Lochs folks to borrow the money.
I will go so far as to call this "community benefit" a screw-up of monumental proportions. Naturally, if I have misread the article, or if there are clarifications which need to be added to the figures quoted in the article, then I'd be more than pleased to modify this post accordingly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)