Secret Scotland

One day I won’t be able to resist the temptation to say “I told you so”, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so, as I read the news regarding the fall of the false god of holy wind power, and rise of wave power.

One of Europe’s largest wind farms being proposed for installation on Lewis in the Western Isles was given its marching orders with some 11,000 objections from most of the islanders. The local authority and business (who one might assume wouldn’t have had to look or live with its 234 giant turbines) were fully behind the plan, and said its rejection threatened the area’s fragile economy - and the advance of Scotland’s renewables industry. The size of the development meant it was referred to the Scottish Government, who rejected the application on the basis that it failed to meet the requirements of European law regarding sensitive environments, and would have had a negative impact on the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area.

On the other hand, the same islanders have given their backing to a major wave power station proposal to the west of the island, and which will lie near those who would have been closest to the rejected wind farm. The station is to be built at Siardar Bay, and will require the construction of a 200 m causeway and breakwater which will house up to 40 turbines, with an installed capacity of 4 MW.

Unlike the wind farm, it seems the wave power will actually benefit those next to to it, as the breakwater will ease the passage of boats to and from the Atlantic from the bay

I don’t think I’ve ever read about a direct benefit for the locals from a wind farm. There may be a short boom as the farm is built, but the turbines are built remotely and parachuted in, and much of the related installation work is carried out by contractors, and the farms are largely automated, so there’s little lasting employment. Boom and bust comes to mind.

Can’t comment on wave power - it may be no better - we need a few years of realistic installation growth to see how it work. I suspect the harsher operating environment may result in local benefits due to the increased maintenance needs, but then again, that should be taken care of by proper design.