Western Isles reach full grid capacity

With the Western Isles grid now operating at full capacity, Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution (SSEPD) together with representatives from the Comhairle, developers and Community Energy Scotland has set to explore alternative and innovative ways by which to connect additional renewables in the Islands.

The joint effort has resulted with the establishment of Western Isles renewable energy steering group, whose aim is explore opportunities for making the best use out of existing electricity network and for connecting additional renewables on the islands ahead of network reinforcement.

The network reinforcement that comprises the delivery of the new HVDC link is scheduled for December, 2020.

It is proposed that the steering group will consider potential solutions such as active network management, demand-side management and other innovative solutions which will allow additional renewables to be connected, SSEPD’s press release reads.

Mark Rough, SSEPD’s Director of Commercial, said: “Over the past few years we have connected a significant amount of renewables in the islands but to continue to do so could compromise security of supply to our customers.

“SSEPD has an obligation to all electricity users to ensure that we operate a safe, efficient and reliable network and so we intend to work closely with local stakeholders to consider alternative connection options for the future.”

Recently, Scottish MSP representing the Highlands and Islands, Mike MacKenzie, wrote to the new UK Energy Secretary, Amber Rudd, calling for an urgent review into island interconnectors for Orkney, Shetland and Westerns Isles to maintain Scotland’s leading position in marine renewable energy.

According to the figures from Scottish Islands Renewables’ project report published two years ago, Western Isles have the the potential to create 3.500 new jobs in renewables sector.

To remind, Aquamarine Power announced in March that the company is postponing plans to build the wave energy farm in Scotland for at least five years.

Aquamarine Power was granted planning consent for the construction of 40 MW wave energy site off Lewis island, part of Western Isles, in 2013. The company was supposed to deploy between 40 and 50 Oyster wave energy devices, that would power approximately 30.000 homes.

SSEPD is a UK company that supplies electricity to north of Scotland and central southern England.

Image: Aquamarine Power/Illustration