We operate two 900kW Enercon E-44 wind turbines; constructed in 2019; for the benefit of the wider community. The Project -Am Pròiseact
UistWind is a project of the North Uist Development Company (Trading) Limited (NUDC-T) which was initiated by members of North Uist Development Company (NUDC) and the wider North Uist community. NUDC-T was established as a Community Benefit Society in 2018, and has been set up to enable the development of our wind farm in line with the following founding objectives:
Developing and operating a renewable energy project or projects;
Providing an opportunity for public-spirited people and organisations to contribute financially to the community, with the expectation of financial and social reward;
Supporting the activities of North Uist Development Company in its charitable objectives.
Technical development to full operation.
Feasibility studies identified a suitable site on Criongrabhal, near Clachan-na-Luib, suitable for 2 turbines generating 1.8MW. Planning permission was obtained from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and, Scottish & Southern Electricity (SSE) granted an export license to enable electricity generated to be sold to the National Grid. The wind turbine project was constructed in 2019. Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) pre-accreditation was acknowledged on 11th December 2017, and the convert to full ROOFIT application was submitted in September 2019. The project has been generating since late summer/early autumn 2019, selling electricity to the grid through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Raising capital
The project was made possible through an agreed commercial finance agreement with Triodos Bank UK as the Senior lender and, with the Scottish Investment Bank as the Junior lender through their Energy Investment Fund. A community share offer with over 220 investors raised £453,850 and enabled the project to proceed to construction and operation. The development was also supported by the Scottish Government CARES fund and the Western Isles Development Trust.
Clean, green energy
The two turbines are estimated to generate more than enough green electricity to offset that used by all homes in North Uist each year. This is equivalent electricity to power more than 1,600 homes a year* and reduce carbon dioxide by over 1,275** tonnes annually. Renewable energy has an important role to play in addressing the key issues of climate change and security of supply and we recognise our role in supporting a greener future. *Based on an average household electricity consumption of 3831 kWh from ECUK 2018. **Based on each kWh of electricity from fossil fuel generation releasing 208g of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere: 'standard ‘emissions factor’ referenced by the BEIS Digest of UK Energy Statistics 2019 report
Bringing economic and social benefit to the community
Our conservative financial projections indicate the project will generate over £2 million over 22 years. These funds will be used to fund a variety of local projects and initiatives in direct support of those people, community groups and charitable organisations based in North Uist.
The surplus will vary depending on interest payments and, of course, the weather! If North Uist has a very windy year there may be more profits available.
The distribution of the community benefit funds will be directed by the community investment plan. The community investment plan can be found here and will be updated in future years.
Our Directors
In 2019 the first official Management Committee of the North Uist Development Company (Trading) Ltd was elected from the Members of the Community Benefit Society. The Members of the Management Committee are currently:
Mr Andrew Ross (Acting Chair, Secretary) Mr Clifford Black (Vice Chair) Mr Neil Cameron (Treasurer) Mr Charlie Robb (Technical Lead) Mr Peter Keiller Mr Duncan MacLachlan Mrs Diane McPherson
UistWind is a project of North Uist Development Company (Trading) Limited (NUDC-T, a Community Benefit Society registered by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration no: 7738. Community Benefit Societies are responsible for stringent self-regulation and there is a code of conduct for community share offers carrying the Standard Mark that includes a public right of complaint that is overseen by the Community Shares Unit.