Scalpay Community Land Steering Group
Ecodyn was contracted through the Development Trust Association Scotland (DTAS) to investigate the potential for renewable energy developments on the island of Scalpay, prior to the Scalpay Community Land Steering Group taking ownership of the island.
The project initially intended to investigate all aspects of renewable energy but developed into conducting a feasibility study solely on wind energy potential because of constraints of topography and (at the time) technology. The study considered the physical, environmental and planning constraints, the business development process, available funding and finance and the management structures required. Part of the project involved organising community consultation events to present ideas/findings.
This project resulted in two potential wind turbine sites: one on the hill behind the village which has good grid but poor access, the other at the former MoD Hyperfix site towards the east end of the island, which has poor grid but good access. A more detailed economic analysis resulted in the Hyperfix site being taken forward for planning. Ecodyn then completed the planning application process and successfully obtained planning approval for a 65kW Harbon wind turbine. This is the same turbine we have successfully installed at Sgarista, South Harris, and South Galson and Knockaird, Isle of Lewis.
With the degression in feed-in tariff rates, North Harris Trust (who took over ownership of Scalpay on behalf of the community) then asked us to look into alternative methods of financing the project, with particular emphasis on reducing risk and maximising returns to the community. We are now developing the site through an investor where NHT will receive rental income from the development. This development has a restricted 50kW export connection.
