Westray community wind turbine
Community driven renewable energy
Key Facts
Westray is well known for its pioneering efforts in renewable energy, notably through the Westray Development Trust which aims to make the island self-sufficient in energy. In 1998, facing a crisis in the traditional whitefish industry and potential outward migration, islanders convened a conference to explore sustainable solutions to the island’s future.
The island took early steps into adopting renewable energy, and the Westray Development Trust has operated a 900kW wind turbine since 2009 with a subsidiary company.
Westray’s renewable energy initiatives have inspired other small communities across Scotland to set up their own community wind projects, and to develop and adopt small-scale renewable energy initiatives.
