Western Isles – why renewables?

Onshore wind is an important part of the energy mix which is needed to provide energy security and lower energy bills.

It provides a low carbon source of inexhaustible green renewable energy which will help us reach our net zero targets. In 2020 onshore wind accounted for 11% of total electricity generation in the UK.*

Onshore wind turbines are constantly evolving which means bigger voltages and larger diameter rotors so although future projects may have bigger turbines it usually means there will be less of them too.

*https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-trends-section-6-renewables

For the Western Isles, it opens up new opportunities for local people with much needed investment. This includes the expansion into new technology such as hydrogen.

The existing deep water port and fabrication facilities and the scope for expansion is a huge positive for investment of renewables on the islands, helping to combat climate change and creating a more energy resilient grid for the future.