Islay Local Energy System Options Appraisal

Description

The Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Argyll and Bute Council are working with Local Energy Scotland and the Energy Saving Trust to explore where a collective approach to the development of local energy systems on Islay can add value. Islay, as with other island communities, faces multiple challenges in terms of its physical geography, building stock and infrastructure, but also has unique opportunities to develop an innovative and integrated local energy system that can deliver sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Over the first part of 2020 stakeholder mapping and initial engagement has been undertaken with individual, community, public and private stakeholders. This has confirmed the importance of promoting a joined up and integrated approach to the decisions around how energy is generated, supplied and consumed. Establishing a detailed understanding of the services and energy requirements across the island will be essential to support the development of this work and provide a strong background to realise opportunities that may lie to bring future public and private investment. The study is funded by the Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council. ‘Creating a Low Carbon Economy for Islay’ is a project within the proposed Argyll and Bute Rural Growth Deal.