Renewable Energy in 撸sir视频 and Bute
撸sir视频 and Bute has a lot of wind, water and wave energy, as well as energy that can come from plants (biomass). These resources offer key sustainable economic opportunities. Renewable energy projects, from small homes to large businesses, are helping Scotland reach its goal of zero emissions. They are also reducing energy costs, supporting the local economy and generating community wealth.
撸sir视频 and Bute has a strong history of being among the first to deliver renewable energy developments, including:
- Cruachan hydro-electric scheme, the first reversible pump storage hydro of its scale in the world (1965);
- One of the first large scale Scottish windfarm at Beinn Ghlas (1999);
- The Isle of Gigha became the first community-owned grid-connected windfarm in Scotland when they commissioned the dancing ladies (2004);
- A pioneering approach to community benefits; and
- Proposals to develop one of the world's first tidal power array demonstration project in the Sound of Islay.
撸sir视频 and Bute Council aims to promote all types of renewable energy resources in our area, in a way that supports sustainable economic development and recognises the need for co-existence with other economic activities, our environment and our communities. To make this happen we will work with renewable energy companies and other stakeholders to maximise the benefits for our communities through the 撸sir视频 and Bute Renewables Alliance (ABRA), please see below.
Interactive Renewables Map
The lets you to access up to date information on renewable energy developments across 撸sir视频 and Bute. It highlights our track record of innovation and commitment to this sector.
The Map links with our , letting you search by type of renewable energy, size of the project and status of development where planning permission was needed.
Our , shows you all the renewable energy developments in 撸sir视频 and Bute, by type (e.g. windfarms, hydro-electric, tidal, etc.), size, status and location. It also allows you to click on any sites you are interested in to find out more details about it.
Offshore activity information is provided by Marine Scotland and The Crown Estate. View the here.
To find out how much renewable energy capacity 撸sir视频 and Bute has, view our most recent graph.
Is our information out of date or do you have information on other renewable developments? Please contact renewable.energy@argyll-bute.gov.uk
If you are looking for some help using the interactive maps, you can download the LocalView Renewables Map user guide, which takes you through the different ways you can use the system to find the information you are looking for.
Major proposed projects
The following major projects are proposed within 撸sir视频 and Bute:
Consented:
- (600MW) 鈥 building a second pumped storage hydropower scheme using the existing Cruachan Dam at loch Awe.
Not yet consented:
- (2GW) 鈥 a 2GW offshore wind farm proposed to be located west of Islay.
- (100MW) 鈥 an innovative 100MW floating offshore wind project proposed for the Malin Sea south west of Islay.
- (1.5GW) 鈥 a proposed new pump storage hydropower station located south of Loch Awe
- (152.5MW) 鈥 proposals to convert the existing 152.5MW Sloy Power Station into a pumped hydro storage facility.
Maximising the benefits of renewable development for 撸sir视频
NEW: Scottish Government consultation on is open until 11 April 2025.
We want to make sure that maximum benefit is achieved for the communities of the area from renewable energy developments. Already many households, community organisations and businesses are seeing the benefits from making their own renewable energy but other benefits can include:
- Community benefits; and
- Economic benefits.
Community benefits
Many renewable schemes offer community benefit. Community benefit is voluntary payment which, in most cases, makes grants available to local communities to deliver services, facilities and local improvements. You can find out which areas are covered by community benefit schemes through our .
You can also view our guidance for dealing with community benefits which can help if you are considering setting up a new community benefits scheme.
To help community organisations setting up community benefit funds, see the community benefit toolkit available from .
Economic benefits
The construction, running, and maintaining renewable energy projects can boost our local economy. Many industries, like hospitality, boat hire, consultancy services, and engineering, can get involved in supporting renewable development during and after construction as well as once the projects are up and running. Many renewable energy developers often connect with local businesses well before construction starts.
Companies that want to support the offshore wind industry both in 撸sir视频 and other places in Scotland can sign up with the .
Support for developing renewable energy
撸sir视频, Lomond and the Islands Energy Agency (ALIenergy) promotes the use and production of sustainable energy to benefit individuals, communities, and the local economy, and to fight against fuel poverty. If you want more information about the agency's work, please visit .
Home Energy Scotland can give advice on a range of energy saving measures and renewables for domestic homes. They can also guide you on available grants and loans available to those interested in installing energy efficiency measures and renewables. See the website for more information.
Business Energy Scotland supports businesses looking to introduce energy efficiency measures and renewable energy. See the website for more information.
Local Energy Scotland helps community based organisations carry out renewable energy projects. They manage CARES - the Scottish Government鈥檚 Community and Renewable Energy Scheme. CARES helps communities across Scotland get involved and benefit from the shift to net zero emissions. For more information see the website.
The 撸sir视频 and Bute Renewable Alliance (ABRA)
The 撸sir视频 and Bute Renewable Energy Alliance (ABRA) brings together key public and private sector partners, including
- 撸sir视频 and Bute Council
- the Scottish Government
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- Marine Scotland
- Scottish Power Renewables
- Scottish and Southern Energy
- The Crown Estate Scotland
- Nature Scot
- Skills Development Scotland
Together they make sure there is a more awareness of all the issues related to renewable development in 撸sir视频 and Bute, and to act as a key tool to help with delivering the Renewable Energy Action Plan.
The first meeting of the 撸sir视频 and Bute Renewable Energy Alliance happened on 22nd March 2011. ABRA meets each year to talk about strategic issues related to renewable energy in 撸sir视频 and Bute.
Our vision is:
鈥溸ir视频 and Bute will be at the heart of renewable energy development in Scotland by taking full advantage of its unique and significant mix of indigenous renewable resources and maximising the opportunities for sustainable economic growth for the benefit of its communities and Scotland.鈥
ABRA also promotes 撸sir视频 and Bute as a location for renewables.
A summary table of the actions within the Renewable Energy Action Plan can be accessed here: RenewableEnergyActionPlan.pdf (PDF, 137.81KB)
For further information about ABRA email renewable.energy@argyll-bute.gov.uk.
Landscape wind energy capacity study
Read the full report and appendices of the landscape wind energy capacity study. This was produced to develop the windfarm / wind turbine policies and associated spatial framework in the proposed local development plan.