Renewable energy in the Highlands and Islands

The Highlands and Islands arguably contain some of the world’s finest renewable energy resources. Work to realise this substantially untapped resource is now well underway, bringing with it the reality of significant economic development for the Highlands and Islands.

The vision is to strengthen an already diverse renewable energy industry in the Highlands and Islands and develop a truely mixed renewable energy economy that utilises onshore wind power and also supports the development of wave and tidal energy devices, biomass, and deepwater offshore wind farms.

Strong foundations are already in place to make this happen in the Highlands and Islands. The region is home to world-leading developments such as the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) which tests wave and tidal devices, manufacturing facilities such as those in Argyll where Vestas - the largest wind turbine maker in the world - has set up a production base. In addition - high above the South-West tip of Loch Ness - the largest hydro sheme to be developed in the UK in 30 years is taking shape at Glendoe. There are countless other businesses across the Highlands and Islands active in the renewables industry, including electrical installers, crane hire, haulage, civil engineering, environmental consultants and many others. These projects and companies contribute to a healthy supply chain which in turn lends itself to economic growth and employment across the region.

HIE is supporting a number of developments across the Highands and Islands and for more information please explore these pages and those of the HI-energy web site.
 
There are numerous community energy projects across the Highlands and Islands which harness renewable energy and support community development. For further information on community energy, where to go for advice and the availability of support, please see the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company web site.

If you have an inquiry relating to renewable energy, please contact Elaine Hanton (telephone: 01463 244288) who can advise further on these matters.