Scotland s Fair Isle Microgrid

Does the Isle of Eigg have a microgrid?

The Isle of Eigg and its 90 residents were highly dependent on their individual diesel generators and a few private mini-hydro systems to individually produce their own electricity. The microgrid project was highly successful at integrating multiple renewable energy sources into an island-wide community system, and reducing diesel generator use:

What is a microgrid in Scotland?

Microgrid type proposals tend to be private wire systems rather than DNO owned wire systems although the key drivers for this in Scotland are other matters. For larger licensed activities, there are requirements for business separation of generation, distribution, and supply of electricity.

Are stand-alone island microgrids a good idea?

Stand-alone island microgrids are not specifically addressed as island systems tend to be borne of necessity rather than choice unlike true microgrids or private wire extension microgrids from the main grid. Many island system concerns are however similar.

Are private wire microgrid systems a good idea in Scotland?

Private wire systems offer a number of advantages but costs and complexity need to be carefully considered. There appears to be one major driver for private wire microgrid systems in Scotland although there are other drivers and benefits.

Is there a real microgrid in the UK?

As far as XE is aware, there is at time of writing only one such operational true microgrid in the UK (at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), in Wales). Private wire systems (normally permanently connected to the main grid) offer a number of advantages but costs and complexity need to be carefully considered.

Are microgrids a key issue for community schemes in Scotland?

In relation to the grid aspects, there are perhaps two key current issues for community schemes in Scotland which have driven interest in microgrids.