A series of public information events are to be held on Jura, Colonsay and Islay on ScottishPower Renewables’ MachairWind offshore wind farm project.
The MachairWind team – including Debs Bryce from Jura, who is the community engagement manager for the project – is visiting the islands between May 7-9 to give islanders the chance to chat about progress to date and hear the plans for the year ahead.Four drop-ins will be hosted over the three days:
Jura – 3pm-6.30pm on Tuesday May 7, Jura Care Centre, Craighouse
Colonsay – 2.30pm-6.30pm on Wednesday May 8, Colonsay Village Hall, Scalasaig
Islay – 1.30pm-4.30pm on Thursday May 9, Islay Gaelic Centre, Bowmore
Islay – 6pm-8.30pm on Thursday May 9, Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen
Kiera Wilson, ScottishPower Renewables’ MachairWind development lead, said: “These events are a fantastic opportunity for people to come along – at a time and place that suits them – to meet the team on their doorstep, find out what’s been happening since our last visits and to hear more about what’s coming up.
“We’re also really excited to be hosting two events on Islay this time round, based on feedback from those previous visits, to give as many people as possible the chance to get involved.
“So, whether you’re a local business owner or a resident who wants to know what’s happening and when, please come along and have a chat. This is your chance to find out about how you can be part of a cleaner and greener future across Islay, Colonsay and Jura.”
MachairWind will be developed in the waters north-west of Islay and west of Colonsay.
With a proposed generating capacity of up to 2GW, it could produce enough clean, green electricity to power the equivalent of up to two million homes across the UK.
It will be ScottishPower Renewables’ first offshore wind farm in Argyll and Bute.
A new independent economic report recently said the project could bring jobs and an economic boost to the area.
The BiGGAR Economics study investigated the potential benefits and opportunities for communities and supply chain businesses located around any chosen construction facility and dedicated operations and maintenance base for the MachairWind offshore wind farm.
No decision has been taken as yet on where these facilities will be hosted.
The BiGGAR Economics study looked at eight locations – based on geographical proximity to MachairWind – that could be considered for the project, subject to further studies including technical feasibility.
Islay, Oban – operations and maintenance base
Campbeltown and Machrihanish, Clyde Coast (including Hunterston) – operations and maintenance base, and construction port
Arnish, Belfast, Kishorn, Nigg – construction port
As well as assessing opportunities created by the project, it also considered any potential impacts of using the different ports for the construction period to build the wind farm and/or the lifespan of its operations.
BiGGAR Economics’ report concludes that MachairWind could create transformational opportunities to address skills gaps, support sustainability efforts, enhance community wellbeing and stimulate growth in economically-disadvantaged areas – all while acknowledging existing constraints in infrastructure, housing, labour availability, public services and island habitability.
Graeme Blackett, managing director of BiGGAR Economics said: “MachairWind is an important offshore wind development and while there are lots of moving parts to be considered and varying estimated impacts in each possible location, what is crystal clear is the great potential for ScottishPower Renewables to create wide-ranging benefits for communities, both economic and social. Our thanks to everyone who provided valuable input to our study.”
ScottishPower Renewables’ Kiera Wilson said: “While no preferred port locations have been selected for MachairWind’s construction and operations at this very early stage – and there’s a lot more work to be done around this – the BiGGAR Economics study provides valuable insight and analysis that will inform our next steps and help ensure we ultimately make the right decision not just for the project, but for local people and places too.
“The study shows how important it is to consider all possible scenarios and impacts, and how vital communication and collaboration with communities will continue to be as we work to bring MachairWind to life.”
The BiGGAR Economics report, ‘MachairWind Development Economic and Social Scenarios: Opportunities and Impacts’ is available at: bit.ly/3QnbtKb.
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