The Scottish island of Fair Isle is benefiting from 24-hour electricity provision for the first time thanks to a new renewable energy system that went live today.
The £3.5m project combines three wind turbines and a ground-mounted solar facility with a battery storage system.
Previously the island, which is home to 55 people halfway between Orkney and Shetland, only had power from 7.30am and 11.30pm each day.
Fair Isle Electricity Company led the development and secured £1.5m funding from the Scottish government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme and £250,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Scottish Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands Paul Wheelhouse said: “Those of us living on the mainland of Scotland can often take reliable supplies of electricity for granted. This has never been possible for the islanders of Fair Isle.
“The reality of having, for the first time in their history, 24-hour supplies of electricity presents exciting prospects for the Fair Isle community, who will not only benefit from access to a reliable electricity supply around the clock, but also now have in place a new cleaner, greener energy system.
“This development is yet another example of Scotland’s ability to harness its renewables potential to build a sustainable energy future which will play a significant role in powering our future, and I am proud of the role that the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have been able to play in providing 50% of the funding for this much needed project taken forward by Fair Isle Electricity Company.”
Fair Isle Electricity Company director Robert Mitchell said: “As an important project in a fragile rural area, having reliable renewable power will make a huge difference now and in the future, and we hope that it will encourage more people to come and live on the island. It also provides a great opportunity for more businesses to start here.
“The new energy system will be cleaner and greener and will reduce reliance on expensive diesel, hence making living costs more sustainable. It’s an ambitious project and is another step in ensuring that the community of Fair Isle continues to thrive.”
Scottish Renewables deputy chief executive Jenny Hogan said: “It’s great to see Fair Isle joining the likes of Eigg and Gigha in reaping the benefits of clean, green electricity networks.
“This ambitious project combines wind, solar and battery storage in one advanced energy system which will no doubt improve the 55 residents’ quality of life, as well as the economic prospects on the island.
“This goes to show the transformational impact such systems can have on the lives of remote communities.”