Renewables in the Western Isles

On a trip to the Western Isles yesterday, where there's an emerging interest in marine renewables (specifically wave) as well as plans to push forward on some of the wind projects.  The largest, the Barvas Moor windfarm operated by Lewis Wind Power, is still on hold, but others are progressing.

One interesting observation was that the bay at Siader (pictured, rather badly), where a 4 MW wave-powered breakwater is to be built by Wavegen and npower, is to deliver the same peak output as the now-operating 3 x 1.3 MW Nordex turbines at Arnish Moor.

Sad to see the Arnish fabrication yard all shut up against the weather but hopefully that will be back in business soon.

RIP Barvas Moor Windfarm

The Scottish Executive has announced the decision that the Lewis Wind Power project for the development of up to 181 turbines on Barvas Moor in the Western Isles' Isle of Lewis will not go ahead.

Unsurprisingly, the antis are jubilant. They're not letting the decision get in the way of the self-righteous NIMBY dance: saying "we're in favour of windfarms, but just not in this particular special case".

The pros are obviously crestfallen, with the decision not to go ahead likely to sound the deathknell (again) for the Arnish yard, as well as for economic development in the Western Isles. No Barvas Moor probably also means no interconnector for other wind (and wave) projects, limiting development potential for the Isles.

An opportunity tragically missed, in our view, as this was one of the few areas where the Western Isles geographic position - in the area with second densest natural energy flux on the planet - could offer a rare developmental advantage.

Scottish election result determined by Lewis windfarm shock!

So, it seems that the Scottish election has just been conceded by Labour to the Scottish National Party, with the SNP taking 47 seats, and the Labour party 46.

The interesting part here is that the (now former) Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Morrison, said that he supported the proposed Barvas Moor windfarm whereas his SNP opponent said that he supported a local referendum on the windfarm. The seat swung to the SNP (with 687 votes determining the outcome). So if 344 people voted on the basis of the windfarm, that was the determining factor in the Government of Scotland for the next 4 years.

Let's hope Alex Salmond can do a decent job, and can find ways to drive renewables forward north of the border without having to cut other expenditure or raise taxes too much!

Best wishes to Camcal 2

The Glasgow Herald reported late last week that Camcal is to be revitalised. Camcal, a manufacturer of wind turbine towers and other large tubular steel structures (like the Pelamis devices), ran out of money late last year, having failed to win enough work to sustain it.

It's been rejuvenated by Business Creation Inc., and will initially be completing a contract for a windfarm project for EWT.

Let's hope that the new Camcal can capture enough of the market to keep it afloat...with a decision expected on the Lewis windfarm in the near future, there's every reason to be optimistic.