UistWind have been shortlisted as a finalist in this year’s Scottish Green Energy Awards; shortly after celebrating success of achieving a significant milestone in September: generating enough electricity to power every single home on the island of North Uist.

Scottish Renewables made the official announcement on Monday, October 5th, after considering more than 100 entries.  This year’s Scottish Green Energy Awards will see 44 individuals, companies and projects as finalists for awards in 12 categories at a virtual ceremony on November 26. 
 
Speaking for Locogen, project managers for the wind farm development, Director Stuart Hamilton, said: “We’re really proud of our work with UistWind. This project is a fantastic example of the value of community renewable energy, delivering significant social and financial benefits to the island. As we look to a green recovery from the current crisis, UistWind demonstrates how even remote communities can drive change and showcases the democratization of our energy system.”
 
UistWind is a 1.8MW community owned wind farm in North Uist.  The project was conceived as far back as 2010 but needed to overcome considerable financing, development and construction hurdles before finally being commissioned in September 2019.  Less than one year after commissioning, the wind turbines have generated over 6,129,000 kWh of electricity – enough to offset power used by all homes on the island.
 
The UistWind project has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Best Community Project Award and the Best Engagement Award.
 
The Award ceremony was originally planned as a hybrid event, with guests at Edinburgh's EICC and an audience streaming virtually; but with the current rising cases in COVID-19 the entire event will now be held online, and for the first time will be free to attend.

Chris Morris, Local Energy Scotland Manager said “Congratulations to Ameena Camps and the team for getting shortlisted for a Green Energy Award.  It’s fitting that the hard work of NUDC and the North Uist community is being recognised.
 
It’s more important than ever to celebrate good news and successes during these difficult times”.
​

​The community owned ‘UistWind’ wind farm on North Uist achieved a significant milestone in September as it generated enough electricity to power every single home on the island of North Uist.

The two Enercon 900kW E44 wind turbines at Criongrabhal near Clachan-na-Luib generated 6,129,000 kWh of electricity between commissioning on 13th September 2019 and 8th September this year – just beating the annual consumption figure by 5 days.

This remarkable feat is just the latest accomplishment for a project that has overcome significant challenges on its way to becoming a success story that is an inspiration to other rural and island community energy projects.

The UistWind project was conceived as far back as 2010 but needed to overcome considerable financing and development hurdles before finally being commissioned in September 2019. A major part of this success was a community share offer, which raised £453,850 from more than 220 investors, allowing the project to proceed and providing a great example of community empowerment.

Now, the island community can benefit from green electricity which offsets enough to power all of its homes. Income from the electricity generated, meanwhile, will be invested in local community projects, creating opportunities to help combat depopulation.

Speaking for Locogen, project managers for the wind farm development, director Stuart Hamilton said: “After all the challenges of developing and constructing this project, it’s fantastic to see the first year of generation data and that important milestone being exceeded. We can now see the positive impact UistWind will have on the community for many years to come.”

Ameena Camps, project delivery manager at North Uist Development Company said: “This is an exciting major achievement for UistWind, for the community of North Uist and for the UK in helping to meet renewable energy targets; highlighting tenacity truly can reap many rewards.  Thanks to the lenders: Triodos Bank UK and the Energy Investment Fund, Members of UistWind and everyone who has supported the project over the years of development, construction and now, operation”

This milestone is only the beginning for North Uist.  UistWind project aims to create over £2million for the community over a projected 22 years, with profits going straight back to the community via North Uist Development Company’s charitable activities.
​
Mustapha Hocine, Chair of the North Uist Development Company (Trading) Ltd said “I am delighted that we have reached this key stage.  The prospect is bright for UistWind and there is excitement amongst all involved about the benefits that will be able to be delivered to the community in the future” 

You can read our latest July newsletter to catch up on everything we've been doing this year here.