News archive - Week ending 4th January 2008

Energy Saving Invention Shortlisted for Award

Tanya Ewing has been named among the Scottish finalists in the E.ON EnergyLab £10,000 competition, a UK-wide search to find energy-saving innovations.

The power company launched its inventors? challenge last September and the entrants have been subjected to a strict judging process headed by former Tomorrow?s World presenter Philippa Forrester and designer Oliver Heath

Ms Ewing?s device, which measures the carbon footprint of domestic properties, is due to be presented to a panel of industry experts at the competition?s Scottish heat in Edinburgh on February 5. The Ewgeco charts real time energy and water consumption by lighting up green, amber and red coloured bars on an LED display when appliances are turned on or water is running. As power usage goes up, Ewgeco leaves a marker showing the highest daily usage point.

Forestry Commission Plans Eco-Village

The Forestry Commission has submitted a request for planning permission to construct an eco-village of 32 homes on a 50 hectare site in Kilnhill Wood, near Nairn. The demonstration project is designed to revive interest in the ancient tradition of people living in and among wooded areas. The idea is to have small groups of low-energy mixed housing, including some affordable and some holiday homes, made, where possible, from local timber.

However, a local pressure group Friends of Kilnhill Wood has criticised the plan, suggesting it will harm wildlife in the woods and some locals have expressed concern over a new distinct community in their midst.

Anyone buying a home in the forest would also have to join a trust, signing up to common values, which could include elements such as shared cars and non-car transport.

The plans will be submitted to Highland Council this month following a public consultation in October.

Application for Approval of Hydroelectric Scheme

Alcan Aluminium (known locally as British Alcan) has applied to the Scottish Government for consent to construct a hydro-electric power scheme in the hills overlooking Kinlochleven in Lochaber. The scheme at Loch Eilde Mor in the Mamores mountain range would have an output of five megawatts.
Meanwhile, the company is also collecting wind data from two anemometers on Meall an Doire Dharaich and Meall na Duibhe, near Loch Eilde Mor, for the possible development of a windfarm.
The two schemes are among measures being explored by the Company which hopes to increase energy output from the 140,000 acres. If both schemes were successful they could supply the electricity needs of Kinlochleven and much of Fort William.

Eigg Islanders Benefit From Green Power Station

Residents of Eigg are to be connected to mains electricity for the first time. The island will be powered by one of the greenest schemes in the country; a £1.5 million solar, wind and hydro generating station.

This move follows the recent 10th anniversary of the instigation of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, which was set up in 1997 in order to enable islanders to purchase the island in a £1.5 million community buy-out. The trust, which is a unique partnership between the residents of Eigg, the Highland Council, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, has now formed a company, Eigg Electric Ltd, to operate the network, which will provide electricity for the island's 37 houses and 10 businesses.

Until now, the population has relied on diesel and small hydro-powered generators to power their homes. The aim of the project is to develop an electricity supply that is environmentally and economically sustainable. The new 'power station' will incorporate five wind turbines, 9.9 kW solar energy panels and three hydro generation systems. The grid will be supported by a stand-by diesel generator and batteries to guarantee continuous availability of power. The combination of solar, wind and hydro power should provide a network that is self sufficient and powered 98 per cent from renewable sources.

The 87 islanders have donated nearly £100,000 to the scheme, through connection charges and the Eigg Heritage Trust. Most of the other money has come from the European Union's regional development programme, National Lottery funding and the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company.

Christmas Card Recycling

First Minister Alex Salmond has been joined by the other party leaders in supporting the Christmas Card Recycling Scheme which is now in its seventh year. This year?s campaign aims to build on the success of last year when 8.2 million cards were recycled in Scotland. The scheme is run by the Woodlands Trust in conjunction with Waste Aware Scotland. It is estimated that last year's efforts in Scotland and across the UK, saved 2,400 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere; the equivalent of taking over 700 cars off the road or avoiding over 100 flights. Over 443 million cards have been recycled since the scheme began 10 years ago.

The Christmas Card Recycling Scheme will run from January 4 until the end of the month. It is supported by Waste Aware Scotland and retailers including WH Smith, Tesco, TK Maxx, and Marks and Spencer.