The Western Isles renewable energy solution?
Will the vision mean no turbines? Well, no, there will be some onshore and possibly offshore together with biomass, solar panels, ground heat pumps and other options.
Will achieving the vision be easy? No. Will it be impossible? No, not if we believe in ourselves! It will be the best chance of sustaining life and community in these islands for generations to come.
Whatever the decision on the interconnector and whatever your views on industrial wind farms, local secure power, not dependent on imports from the mainland, is necessary to heat and light our homes and businesses.
So do we want the status quo, or forests of turbines supplying the rest of the world while we sit at home in candlelight; or a secure energy supply supporting a strong local economy where people want to live, study and visit? I know which I would choose.
Local solutions to global problems would put us at the forefront of achieving sustainable secure local energy but we must believe in ourselves, put aside vested interests and work together to deliver long term sustainability for these islands. We must be seen to be the doers not the talkers – to deliver the technology already out there. Applying tried technology to the Western Isles will put us at the forefront of implementation of the vision to address the greatest issue of our time.
Since I called for local secure energy and a zero carbon economy for the islands individuals have been supportive but I’ve heard no comment from our elected representatives. Come on, it’s time to take your heads out of the sand.
If we do this we will be leaders and others will follow. They will no longer think it’s all too difficult. Time is short. Can we do it? In the words of Barack Obama – yes we can!
