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Renewable energy in 1 tiny Scottish island

Jaymack

Driven by Dollars and Sense: As the world slowly moves away from using fossil fuels for electricity, one tiny Scottish island has proved it’s possible to rely almost entirely on renewables. The inner Hebridean isle of Eigg used to get its power from diesel generators. But in 2008 its residents launched the world’s first electricity system powered by nature, and the Crowdscience team wants to know exactly how they did it, and whether such a model could work in other places with no national grid? Marnie discovers that the community is key to the success of this project, meeting the maintenance men who taught themselves to install equipment and solve any problems themselves, and hearing from residents who’ve changed their habits to use less juice. With the mainland more than an hour away by a once-daily ferry, this kind of resourcefulness is vital. Hydroelectric generators harness the power of running water and are complemented by wind turbines and solar panels on peoples roofs, meeting 95% of Eigg’s energy needs. Now others are learning from this unique experiment and we meet the Malawians who were inspired after visiting Eigg. A solar grid in the village of Sitolo has provided power to thousands of people, and the people who designed it are planning others. Thanks to Eigg residents: Sue Hollands, Maggie Fyfe, Eddie Scott, Bob Wallace, Greg Carr. 

My comment: I wonder how much energy is derived from wind/solar power and how economic it has been, what is the payback period? Scotland has a very high proportion of windmills supplying power for the U.K. They are a blot on the landscape however to most and a hazard to flying swans, other birds and mammals no doubt, not to mention the noise near by.       
CrowdScience - Could we completely switch to renewable energy? - BBC Sounds

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    Diesel generation has ben retained, but is now very little used. Generating most of the electricity from renewables is relatively easy. Generating 100% is harder, and say 5% from diesel is preferable to a greatly oversized system, or the lights going out 5% of the time.

    Systems such as this IMHO need smartish metering at the point of use with at least three different rates.

    HIGH rate of 60 pence a unit, when demand significantly exceeds renewable generation. Money from sales at this price should contribute to diesel fuel purchase or battery replacement.

    STANDARD rate of 15 pence a unit, applicable when renewable input and demand are broadly in line. Income from this rate goes into a “sinking fund” for eventual replacement of longer lasting assets.

    LOW rate of 4 pence a unit, applicable when renewable generation significantly exceeds demand.

    Rates are only indicative and could be adjusted according to circumstances, but retaining the principle of a high rate when fuel is being burnt or batteries being cycled and thereby worn out. And a very low rate when renewable energy is otherwise going to waste.

    As wind turbines, PV modules, batteries and power electronics get cheaper, we will see more such schemes.

    Contrast to Sark, where electricity comes almost entirely from diesel engines and retails at 75 pence a unit.

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    Diesel generation has ben retained, but is now very little used. Generating most of the electricity from renewables is relatively easy. Generating 100% is harder, and say 5% from diesel is preferable to a greatly oversized system, or the lights going out 5% of the time.

    Systems such as this IMHO need smartish metering at the point of use with at least three different rates.

    HIGH rate of 60 pence a unit, when demand significantly exceeds renewable generation. Money from sales at this price should contribute to diesel fuel purchase or battery replacement.

    STANDARD rate of 15 pence a unit, applicable when renewable input and demand are broadly in line. Income from this rate goes into a “sinking fund” for eventual replacement of longer lasting assets.

    LOW rate of 4 pence a unit, applicable when renewable generation significantly exceeds demand.

    Rates are only indicative and could be adjusted according to circumstances, but retaining the principle of a high rate when fuel is being burnt or batteries being cycled and thereby worn out. And a very low rate when renewable energy is otherwise going to waste.

    As wind turbines, PV modules, batteries and power electronics get cheaper, we will see more such schemes.

    Contrast to Sark, where electricity comes almost entirely from diesel engines and retails at 75 pence a unit.

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