The client
Eurowind energy is the largest wind and PV developer in Denmark; the company specialises in the development, construction and operation of renewable energy parks.
Uisenis wind farm: Remote island community consultation for Eurowind
Client: Eurowind
Sectors: Built Environment,
Services: Public Consultation & Stakeholder Engagement,
The challenge
With turbine technology moving on at pace, Uisenis Power Limited (a subsidiary of Eurowind Energy Ltd) was keen to redesign Uisenis Wind Farm on the Isle of Lewis. The site was previously known as the Muaitheabhal Wind Farm, on the Eishken Estate, and had received planning consent, but not yet been constructed. By using the latest turbine technology, Uisenis Power Limited would be able to generate the optimum levels of energy with fewer turbines.
Social was appointed to deliver the public consultation for the wind farm, delivering two rounds of stakeholder and community engagement between October 2022 and April 2023.
The solution
Social delivered two rounds of public consultation for the client, organising and facilitating public exhibitions to allow the public the opportunity to give feedback on the Uisenis proposals. We held three drop-ins for the first round and four drop-ins for the second in venues located around the site, whilst promoting the events through the media and social media.
We had to navigate a number of challenges that came with promoting the consultation in what is a remote island community. To counteract this, we were conscious of ensuring event locations were accessible as possible for residents, as well as developing concise and readable materials that were translated in both English and Scottish Gaelic. The Outer Hebrides has a high proportion of Scottish Gaelic speakers, so Social enlisted the support of a local translator to help the project team meet our aims of facilitating conversations with local people through accessible means.
The proposal has received positive feedback from residents and community organisations, which continues to shape the 25-turbine proposal. The proposed Uisenis Wind Farm will provide a community benefit fund of around £900,000 per year over the 40-year proposed operational period.
Social also supported the client in promoting the accompanying supply chain and community benefit opportunities for the local community. At the same time as the second round of public consultation, Eurowind Energy launched their local supplier scheme for the wind farm proposal which involves opportunities at the construction and maintenance phases of the delivery of the wind farm, which is due to be operational by 2030.
The impact
The exhibitions received positive turnout with a high wider response rate. Eurowind have managed to develop positive relationships with local groups and suppliers through meaningful consultation and providing communities with opportunities to get involved in the delivery of the scheme, through community benefit funds and employment opportunities.
- Leaflet distribution to households across the Outer Hebrides, translated in both English and Gaelic on double-sides.
- Inviting households and stakeholders to attend the public exhibition events to provide feedback on the proposals, as well as providing an opportunity to give feedback digitally through an online feedback form.
- Promoting the consultation through local media outlets and social media with particular focus on building positive relations with islanders.
- Ensure that the promotion and delivery of the consultation was as accessible as possible through venue selection, translation of materials and providing diverse methods for the public to give feedback.
- Supporting the client to facilitate conversations with community and interest groups.
- Successfully delivering meaningful consultation with the public over a six-month period.