Scotland’s remote islands will become a “green energy powerhouse” after four wind projects with a combined capacity of 275MW secured Contracts for Difference, according to trade association Scottish Renewables (SR).
Chief executive Claire Mack (pictured) said the projects would deliver “economic, social and environmental benefits for communities in the Western Isles and Orkney”.
The winners were Uisenis Power’s 189MW Muaitheabhal and BayWa’s 49.5MW Druim Leathann on Lewis plus Hoolan Energy’s 20.4MW Hesta Head and 16.32MW Costa Head on Orkney.
The projects were awarded CfDs ranging between £39.65 and £41.61 per megawatt-hour.
“The record-low prices which have been achieved also mean more value for consumers, with island wind matching the price achieved by offshore projects,” said Mack.
“Today’s results show just how affordable wind power can be when given the chance to compete in the energy market.”
The SR chief voiced disappointment that SSE Renewables’ 457MW Viking on Shetland lost out on a CfD, putting the future of the islands’ proposed interconnector in jeopardy.
“This is a disappointment among a day of great news for Scotland’s other island communities,” she said.
However, a SSE Renewables spokeswoman said the company remains “committed to delivering” the 103-turbine project.
“This is an important project that will ultimately contribute to Scottish and UK zero-carbon goals and will also underpin a new transmission link to the remote islands,” she added.
“Central to progressing this project is the result of Ofgem’s consultation on Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution’s proposed contribution towards the new transmission link for Shetland.”