RENEWABLE ENERGY

Ben Aketil was the first wind farm to be built on the Isle of Skye. Located on MacLeod Estate land which is crofted by the Feorlig Common Grazing shareholders, the development was part of a portfolio lead by RDC Scotland and Falck Renewables Ltd, in association with the MacLeod Estate. Construction on the site began in 2006, and the wind farm became fully operational in 2009.

The site consists of twelve 2.3MW Enercon turbines giving a total installed capacity of 27.6 MW. The turbines were manufactured by Enercon GmbH, model E-70 E4 2.3 MW, which is a variable pitch and variable speed machine which drives an electric generator. The rotor diameter is 71m and the height of the tower is 64m. This wind farm generates enough clean, green energy to supply around 35,000 homes per year, the annual carbon offset being circa 45,000 tons. This is based on an emissions factor of 860g CO2/kWh, as electricity generated by coal and gas fired power stations are typically displaced by wind power generating capacity. However it should be noted that the UK’s electricity generating mix will change over time, making it impossible to give a precise estimate of the CO2 saving over the life time of the project. What is clear is that wind power generation is a key part of the UK’s strategy to achieve its net zero target by 2050.

The Ben Akitil wind farm has not only produced significant environmental benefits for the Highland region, but it has had a positive impact on the local community. Ben Aketil Wind Energy Ltd pays an RPI linked £69,000 per annum to the Dunvegan Community Trust (DCT). The DCT was established solely for the purpose of distributing the community fund generated by the wind farm to local non-profit making groups that operate in the Dunvegan area, or benefit the residents of Dunvegan which also includes the surrounding townships of Harlosh, Feorlig, Vatten, Roag, Herebost, Horneval, Orbost, Greep, Claigan and Uiginish. Individuals organising events or projects to the benefit of the community are also eligible to apply.

In addition to the community fund, members of the local community set up the Isle of Skye Renewables Co-operative Ltd. in order to purchase a stake in the wind farm – the second scheme of its kind in Scotland and the first on an island. This community business initiative was achieved with the support of Energy4All Ltd, a company that promotes ownership of renewable energy schemes and energy conservation measures. The co-operative bought a share in the profits from Falck Renewables and in turn, local people joined the co-operative, buying shares worth between £250 and £20,000. Profits from the sale of green electricity produced by the wind farm are distributed to members through an annual dividend. The 570 members of the Co-op invested over £812,000.