Renewables to supply nearly all island’s power

A small island community hopes to produce almost all of its power through renewable sources after securing £1.3 million in funding.

Residents on Canna, part of the Inner Hebrides, will use the money to build a green energy system based around wind, solar and better battery storage.

The island is not connected to the national grid and currently uses three diesel engines to produce power, but it is hoped the renewable sources will provide more than 90 per cent of what is needed when complete.

Canna Renewable Energy and Electrification Ltd (CREEL) director Geraldine Mackinnon said: “We’re delighted that construction will soon be under way on our energy project, which has been a long-standing ambition for our community.

“The island is exposed to the full force of Atlantic gales and we can finally start to put that to good use.

“As well as reducing the noise and pollution from the generators the new scheme will give us the capacity to build additional houses here, so that we can increase the number of people who can make their home on this beautiful island.

“We’re very grateful to all of our funders for their support in this vital project.”

CREEL will own and operate the new equipment.