A bold new chapter in renewable energy for the Western Isles began this week with the official launch of Eilean Siar Energy in Stornoway.
The initiative marks a major step toward bringing island wind energy into the hands of the community.
If fully realised, the project could see up to 80MW of wind generation brought under local control, making it the largest community-owned wind energy project in the UK.
Eilean Siar Energy has been formed to explore how best to deliver a 20 percent community ownership stake in both the Stornoway and Uisenis wind farms.
These stakes have already been negotiated, and the focus now turns to making the most of them for long-term community benefit.
The new company is backed by a joint venture involving Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the Stornoway Trust and Muidheabhal Community Energy Trust.
Speaking at the launch, Norman MacIver, Chair of the Stornoway Trust and the ownership working group, said the time had come to turn years of discussion into action.
He said that community stakes in renewables are the surest way to guarantee real and lasting benefits for the people of the Western Isles.
The project, while ambitious, has the potential to deliver transformational economic change across the Outer Hebrides.
He called the launch a key milestone for an idea that has been developing for over 25 years.
The path ahead includes a full programme of legal and financial due diligence to shape the most efficient delivery model and understand the true economics of the project.
That work will run in tandem with community engagement, with a clear aim to understand local hopes around how the eventual funds could be used.
There’s also a strong focus on building relationships with public and private financial backers.
Mr MacIver said early market reaction to the project has been positive and encouraging.
While there’s still a journey ahead before any final investment decision, he said the signs so far are strong and confidence in the project is growing.
Eilean Siar Energy signals more than just a business move.
It’s a statement of intent that islanders should not just host renewable energy projects, but shape them and share in their rewards.
