Find out more about electric vehicles in Orkney
A project exploring ways to accelerate the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in Orkney is entering a new phase.
Through the Orkney’s Electric Future initiative, experts will assess the potential to boost consumption of locally generated renewable energy through charging the batteries of electric cars and other vehicles.
To give people the chance to get involved, an event in Kirkwall next week will provide the opportunity to find out more about EVs and why an increase in their use could be of benefit to the county.
The evening session takes place at the Pickaquoy Centre on Monday, March 9, at 6pm.
“Electric vehicles are already an increasingly common sight on local roads,” said Gavin Barr, Orkney Islands Council’s executive director of development and infrastructure.
“Orkney’s Electric Future is aimed at encouraging a further uptake in numbers of EVs, reducing consumption of fossil fuels and raising demand for something our islands have in abundance – locally-generated renewable energy.
“If you are interested in finding out more about EVs and how they could benefit you and our wider community, then please come along to the event at the Picky Centre.”
The council has been awarded funding from the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation’s Smart Accelerator programme, which will fund a feasibility study and implementation plan for a large-scale EV demonstration project.
Following a competitive tendering exercise, this is being led by Newcastle-based sustainability consultants Urban Foresight, along with Stromness environmental consultants Aquatera and Robert Gordon University.
Urban Foresight’s managing director, Dr David Beeton said: “The forum will explore the opportunities for EVs in Orkney and how increased uptake could further harness the islands’ abundant renewable energy – helping to overcome the current constrains on exporting power to the Scottish mainland.
“The forum will be chaired by leading rural transport expert Professor David Gray and local people will be invited to contribute to the discussion on how best to shape Orkney’s Electric Future.”