The Islay Energy Trust is a community owned organisation that aims to develop renewable energy projects for the benefit of the community whilst reducing Islay’s carbon footprint.
How is IET organised?
IET is managed by a board of trustees. The Trustees are elected by IET members. Anyone over the age of 17 who lives or has property on Islay can become a voting member of IET.
IET Membership
If you are over 17 and live or have a property on Islay then IET would welcome you as a member. An application form can be requested from admin@islayenergytrust.org.uk or downloaded here.
IET Newsletter
The June 2011 IET Newsletter can be downloaded here.
What can IET achieve?
Community-owned renewable energy projects provide opportunities for the generation of significant funds for the benefit of local communities, through grants, soft loans and tax advantages. For example, distributable profits from the 0.7MW wind turbine project on Gigha amounted to £100,000 in 2005/6 – its first full year of operation. Such projects also contribute to reductions in carbon dioxide emissions and to local self sufficiency in energy supplies.
What kind of project does IET develop?
Community Renewable Energy Projects
Operation of small (2kW) to medium (5MW) community renewable projects (wind, hydro and biomass) that will directly generate revenue that can be invested in the community.
Partnerships with Energy Developers
Partnerships with Renewable Energy Developers to maximise the benefits and minimise the negative impacts of large-scale (>5MW) renewables. Benefits could include employment, improved infrastructure and financial benefits.
Carbon Savings Projects
Reducing Islay’s carbon footprint through insulation, energy efficiency and micro-renewables. Benefits include warmer houses and reduced fuel costs.
What projects is IET currently running?
Sound of Islay Tidal Energy Project
In February 2009, IET and ScottishPower Renewables signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a tidal energy project in the Sound of Islay. The proposal is for ten 1MW tidal turbines to be installed. The project employs a local project officer, Andrew Macdonald.
RACES Project
Following the success of the two-year Carbon Savings Project, IET received a further year’s funding from the Climate Challenge Fund to undertake planning and development work on a number of renewable energy projects.
RACES employs a full time Project Officer, Lindy MacLellan, and also provides advice to small businesses as well as helping to make a number of community buildings more energy-efficient.
Argyll Renewables’ Communities (ARC) Project
Founder members of ARC comprise Islay, Kintyre and Tiree Energy/Development Trusts, who have agreed to work together to “maximise the benefits to their local communities of offshore wind and marine energy exploitation”. The ARC Consortium is studying options for communities to become more involved in the planning and development of offshore renewable energy projects.
An Introduction to IET
A short leaflet explaining the IET’s aims and projects can be downloaded here: An Introduction to IET
Who is on the IET Board?
The current board members are as follows:
- Philip Maxwell (Chair)
- Malcolm Ogilvie
- Arthur Woodrow
- Ian Stuart
- Islay McEachern
- Gus Newman
- Kirsten Laurie
- Jenni Minto (Treasurer)
- John Potts (Jura representative)
- Georgina Hobhouse (Colonsay representative)
IET Meetings
The Board of Trustees meets monthly. In addition to Annual General Meetings, Extraordinary General Meetings may be held when the Board needs to consult with the members over significant decisions.
