Fair Isle is not connected to the national grid and consequently is without 24-hour power. Responsibility for electricity production lies with the Fair Isle Electricity Council, which is mad up of elected members from the Isle and the National Trust for Scotland. They manage the production, maintenance, monitoring of performance and financial control of the system.

This major infrastructure project was required to provide a renewable energy system to meet the growing demands of its customers, to provide security for existing businesses and establish a climate within which new businesses can establish and develop.

The original wind turbine of 60KW, installed in 1982, pioneered renewable energy and was the fist commercially operated wind energy scheme in Europe. In recognition of this, the windmill was given a B Listing (a building of regional importance) in March 1997 as being of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. It came to the end of its designed life in 1996. Demand for electricity had outstripped its capacity and additional power was required for the development of the island economy.

The objectives of the project were to extend innovative technology to utilise more fully wind energy by the sue of a second wind turbine on a different site in order to take full advantage of varying wind regimes; to reduce the use of fossil fuels as backup, thus reducing the cost of running the system and the unit cost of electricity to the consumer; to make allowance for future consumer demand and to provide an opportunity for population growth through new housing, workshops and renovation of derelict property for productive use. The energy system is a key project for the future of the isle.

A second wind turbine of 100KW has been added, the original turbine has been reconstructed and upgraded and a new load management and additional cabling within the existing electricity distribution network have been installed. The new system will increase efficiency, wind utilisation and capacity, reduce atmospheric pollution and noise levels and reliance on the diesel back up system thus reducing running costs and consequently the unit cost to the consumer of electricity.

The system had developed in partnership with Shetlands Island Council, Shetland Enterprise Company and the European Union.

Issues

• While the idea of wind power as an energy source is sustainable and generally viewed as environmentally friendly, it is argued that visual/landscape and noise intrusion are a major drawback. On Fair Isle this has been dealt with by:
  • 'softening' the turbine's visibility by making the tower of a lattice construction rather than a solid tower allowing a view through it and painted it in a colour to suit the surroundings (grey).

  • structure thus reducing the stress factors placed upon it which in turn reduces vibration and therefore reduces noise from the structure in extreme winds. The rotor wings are streamlined.

  • The islanders have lived and worked with the existing turbine for 13 years and accept it as part of the landscape. It could be removed leaving little or no remains on the ground.

• NTS is looking to develop wind turbines and wind power on other islands and at other properties. The use of wind power is becoming increasingly controversial in the 21st century (due to turbines spoiling some of the UK's most beautiful wild areas & posing a threat to birdlife). What are your thoughts?