NORTH UIST COMMUNITY WIND FARM CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES

Finally construction was able to commence when NUDC raised £100,000 more than required for its equity stake in the UistWind project – reaching £452,850 – to build two 900kw turbines at Criongrabhal, near Clachan-na-Luib.

With feed-in tariff support, the turbines – which are due to be operational by October this year – will provide a set price for the electricity which is produced.

Despite fears of not meeting the target in November, when the total sat at around £317,000, a final push saw fundraising pass £400,000 on Christmas Eve.

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has played a part in making this important community project at Criongrabhal happen, by providing £575,095 of funding from our EIF towards the capital cost of the project.

“The community has also benefitted from important support through our Community and Renewable Energy Scheme.

“As someone who believes that such investments can be transformative for communities, it is absolutely fantastic to see the local island communities, and indeed communities and investors across Scotland, come together to support the project and help them exceed their equity stake.”

See: https://www.thenational.scot/news/17528540.north-uist-community-wind-farm-construction-commences/