Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company or HICEC provides free advice, grant funding and finance for renewable energy projects developed by community groups in the north and west of Scotland. The main aim of the company, which is a subsidiary of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, is to enable all communities across the Scottish Highlands and Islands to generate and use renewable energy for their long term and collective benefit.[1]
Established in 2004 they currently employ twelve members of staff plus several agents in areas distant from the head office in Dingwall.[1][2]
The renewable energy potential of their area of operation is considerable[3], and remarkable for the number of small communities which are pioneering community owned and led projects. These include:
- The Isle of Gigha in Argyll which boasts Scotland’s first community-owned wind farm. Three Vestas V27 turbines on the south end of the island are capable of generating 750kW of electricity.
- Westray, one of the northern Orkney islands, which runs a vehicle using recycled bio-diesel and whose parish church is an 'eco-congregation'.[4]
- Knoydart, a peninsula in Lochaber which runs a micro hydro-electric scheme.
- Findhorn in Moray which is building an eco-village and has recently launched a UN-accredited CIFAL sustainability training centre.
- The island of Eigg is undertaking a £1.3 million electrification project, part funded by HICEC. This combination of installed solar, wind and hydro power should provide a network that is self sufficient and powered 98% from renewable sources.[5]
- In early 2008 the North Harris Trust received planning consent for three 86 metre (282 ft) wind turbines to be located at Monan. David Cameron, a director of the Trust said: "It will substantially reduce our carbon emissions and it will help North Harris re-establish itself as a thriving, vibrant community".[6][7]
Many of these renewable energy projects are being undertaken by social enterprises such as development trusts.[8]
Since 2005 the annual conferences have been held at Inverie, Knoydart; Tarbert, Harris; and Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Skye.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b HICEC. (2006) Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company Annual Review. Inverness. [1]
- ^ Empowering Communities: Annual Review 2006-7". HICEC. Dingwall.
- ^ Restats UK Department of Trade and Industry Renewable Energy Database
- ^ Ecocongregation An ecumenical programme helping churches make the link between environmental issues and Christian faith.
- ^ "Isle of Eigg, Inner Hebrides, Scotland - 2007" Wind and Sun Ltd. Retrieved 20 September 2007.
- ^ "North Harris community wind farm approved" (February 2008) John Muir Trust Journal No. 44.
- ^ The application was originally opposed by Scottish Natural Heritage. The objection "caused outrage" and was withdrawn in September 2007. See Ross, David, (04 September 2007) "Heritage body in U-turn over island wind farm". Glasgow. The Herald.
- ^ DTA Scotland website
[edit] External links
- HICEC website
- Isle of Gigha website
- Westray Development Trust
- PURE project
- Findhorn EcoviIlage
- Development Trusts Association Scotland.
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