The conservation of natural resources and the use of renewable energy to supply industrial and domestic needs is an ever growing issue for governments global wide.  LA 21 (Local Agenda 21, ‘think globally, act locally’) and the need for sustainability to protect future generations are a pressing concern and needs to be addressed at both local and global levels.

Scotland has a natural source of renewable energies, which if harnessed have the potential to serve the whole of the British Isles. The two main commodities are hydro and wind power, with lesser potential for solar power. The Scottish Executive is committed to exploiting Scotland’s renewable energy potential and has set a target of 40% energy generation from renewable sources by 2020.

Wind Power

‘The available wind resource in the world is more than four times the worlds total electricity consumption; less than 0.1% is currently being utilised’. (Prof. Arthouros Zevos, President of the EWEA).

Wind is a natural renewable energy source with wind patterns in Scotland providing a strong, steady and clean source of power. Scotland currently has 7 wind farms in operation with many more undergoing the rigorous planning process. The proposed wind farm on Eaglesham Moor is currently the biggest project of its kind in Europe, with proposals also presently being considered for a wind farm on the Isle of Lewis which would be the biggest in the world.

Wind farm projects can receive a number of grants to help fund them as they are viewed as a viable method of achieving sustainability. Not only that, the wind turbine market is well established and there is considerable choice when choosing the type of turbine best suited to the location. Such equipment is readily available and has a life span of up to twenty -five years.

It is also important to note that the construction of a wind farm does not negate the use of the land. Once the wind farm is up and running the land can be used for grazing purposes for farm animals and can be home to a diverse range of species.