Scottish island takes a step closer to being carbon neutral
9th February 2020 | Commercial Energy
A key hurdle has been passed in pioneering work to make Orkney one of the first places in the UK to become carbon neutral. As well as reducing carbon output to net zero it is also hoped that the ground-breaking project will help alleviate fuel poverty on the islands – one of the hardest hit areas in the UK despite producing over 100 per cent of the islanders’ energy needs through renewables.
Once it is up and running it is hoped the project could be used as a prototype for similar work in communities across the globe. The enterprise, which aims to make Orkney a smart energy area, has now successfully passed its feasibility review meaning it can move on to the demonstration stage. This could be in operation by this summer, allowing residents access to cheaper energy produced on the islands instead of exported to the mainland and imported back again as it is at present.
Carbon neutral
Part of the “smart” scheme could involve installing battery walls to store energy on the side of houses as well as leasing electric vehicles as cheaply as possible. An island community powered electric bus and e-bike integrated transport system is also planned. “It’s very exciting,” said a spokesperson for the ReFLEX (Responsive Flexibility) Orkney project. “Despite the fact that Orkney is this renewable power house we still have one of the highest levels of fuel poverty in the UK.”
Once it is up and running it is hoped the project could be used as a prototype for similar work in communities across the globe. The enterprise, which aims to make Orkney a smart energy area, has now successfully passed its feasibility review meaning it can move on to the demonstration stage. This could be in operation by this summer, allowing residents access to cheaper energy produced on the islands instead of exported to the mainland and imported back again as it is at present.
More information available on the website below
https://www.thenational.scot/news/18221635.orkney-step-closer-carbon-neutral/