Forum leads on economic development case for grid strengthening

Orkney Renewable Energy Forum is making progress on identifying solutions to the current electricity grid constraint issues, after September’s announcement by Scottish and Southern Energy of a halt to new micro-generation connections due to lack of capacity on the Orkney grid.

OREF is leading one of the groups formed last month to pinpoint ways ahead for the grid and to make it possible for micro-generation connections to be resumed. The Economic Development Group, chaired by Aquatera renewable energy consultant Ian Johnstone, is due to meet next Thursday to discuss sustainable solutions that could benefit Orkney and unblock the grid.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Johnstone said: “With the next meeting of the Steering Committee  due to take place later this month, we are all acutely aware that progress on narrowing down possible solutions needs to be made, as every passing week represents a financial impact on Orkney’s renewable energy industry and in turn the wider economy.”

OREF would welcome any further views on grid concerns from people in Orkney. Anyone with any comments can contact Elaine Buck at Aquatera on 850088 or email Elaine.Buck@aquatera.co.uk