01/02/2008

24-hour Electricity Supply For The Island of Eigg

After 10 years of development the remote island of Eigg is to get its first 24-hour mains electricity supply. Residents of Eigg previously had to rely on costly diesel generators to run their homes.

The £1.6 million renewable energy system, which includes hydro, wind and solar power, will generate more than 95% of its annual energy demand. The system has a battery storage system and two diesel generators for emergency back-up.

The high voltage network will be linked together by buried cables stretching a distance of six miles covering a total of 45 households, 20 businesses and six community buildings.

The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust raised £45,000 for the project and the islanders brought in a further £30,000.

Funding also came from Europe, the Big Lottery Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company, the Scottish Government and Highland Council.

Synergie Scotland were commissioned by Eigg Electric to oversee the scheme.

Ian MacGillivray, managing director of Synergie Scotland, said: "We have been delighted to have been involved with such a unique and technically challenging project and we compliment the people of Eigg for their vision and determination."

John Hutchison, chairman of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, said: "The Eigg Electric team has done an excellent job on behalf of the resilient Eigg community."

(GC)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 May 2009
British Gas Cuts Electricity Prices By 10%
British Gas, the biggest supplier of electricity to homes in Britain, has cut an average 10% off its standard electricity prices. The price cut for 4.5 million customers takes effect immediately. British Gas's electricity rates are now as much as £111 lower than the local supplier.
08 April 2013
Sandiford Loses Death Sentence Appeal
Lindsay Sandiford has lost an appeal against her death sentence in Bali. The 56-year-old Briton was convicted of drug trafficking last year. A Bali High Court spokesman confirmed the court on the Indonesian island upheld the sentence handed down to Ms Sandiford in January.
26 May 2010
Cross-Border Bid For Electricity Market
A Republic of Ireland energy firm will begin selling power to households in Northern Ireland from June. Airtricity will be the first company to compete with NIE Energy in the domestic electricity market.