The Isles of Barra & Vatersay are the southernmost inhabited islands of the Outer Hebrides. They are both rich in natural beauty as well as resources. The community already use their abundant wind resource via a community wind turbine very successfully. Implementing further renewable energy supply seems to be a next logical step.
There are high energy expenses paid to utility companies, who do not reinvest in upgrading the energy system on the island. Therefore, disproportionally high energy prices remain.
Further efforts in generation of affordable renewable energy are limited by the current grid infrastructure. This problem can be bypassed by implementing community grid infrastructure, a so called private wire
The aim of this project is to investigate the possibility of adding community owned renewable generation, and proposing reinvestment to bring down the energy costs for the islanders.
Markus absolved his bachelor’s and master’s degree in renewable energy technology and building technology in Vienna, Austria. His focus in the project was on evaluating current energy demand for the commercial and residential sector as well as designing future energy solutions for the residents on Barra.
Stefan completed his bachelor’s degree in urban renewable energy technologies from University of Applied Sciences Vienna (Austria). Working at a big Viennese energy supplier led to interest in urban energy distribution. His focus within the project was to identify major thermal and electrical loads in Castlebay. Another focus was designing the heating grid.
Sergio graduated in Energy Engineering (BEng) from the Technical University of Madrid (Spain). He has previous work experience in Spain, working for companies focusing on reducing road transport CO2 emissions. As a passionate of electric vehicles, his focus in the project was analyzing how to electrify the road transport of Barra & Vatersay.
Elise holds a BEng in Thermal Power Engineering from Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia). She has previous work experience with solar PV designing and modelling. Her focus was on sizing and proposing the wind turbines, simulating the system and determining the electricity distribution between different loads.
Brendan has a background in both Civil & Electrical engineering gaining a BSc(hons) in Environmental Civil Engineering from Glasgow Caledonian University and an Electrical Engineering HNC from Edinburgh College. With strong family ties on Barra Brendan organized our field trip and investigated the islands energy system.
Aliihsan is certified electrician and has a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of South-Eastern Norway. He has experience from previous work in the construction industry. His focused at the energy system on the island and the transportation sector.
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