Islanders’ £3m windfall... from cancelled wind farm!

AN island community is set to enjoy a £3million windfall from a wind farm developer – despite it cancelling its plans to erect 39 turbines.

Proposals by French energy giant Engie for a £200million wind farm on the Eishken estate on the Isle of Lewis stalled last year following technical delays.

However, under a legal contract, the firm is still obliged to make payments to the local Muaitheabhal Community Wind Farm Trust (MCWFT).

A settlement has now been reached whereby Engie will make a final payment of £1.92million, on top of £1million previously awarded.

In turn, the MCWFT must give 30 per cent of the trust’s net income to the Western Isles Development Trust, a body set up by Western Isles Council.

Iain Maciver, MCWFT chairperson, said: ‘The prospect of securing this significant payment, without exposing the community to any financial risk, is now a comforting reality.

‘Engie have to be commended for the way in which they have dealt with us, honouring their obligations in the process.’

The firm’s plans stalled over delays involving an underwater cable connection needed to transfer power generated by the turbines off the island.

Work on the site, due to begin in 2013, was never started. However, the MCWFT now hopes another firm might step in and finish the project – although it is unlikely any wind farm could now be operational before 2021.

Mr Maciver said: ‘Of added encouragement is the prospect of another developer now stepping in to complete the wind farm. Fundamental to that happening is the long-awaited subsea link to the mainland needed to unlock the island’s energy resource.’

Steve Riley, president for the Engie’s UK region, said: ‘ It was disappointing that we were unable to pursue the wind farm project due to a number of external delays.

‘It is important to us that we honour our commitments to the local community and we are pleased to have reached an agreement with the trust.’