http://www.shetlandtoday.co.uk/Shetlandtimes/content_details.asp?ContentID=2425009 November 2007
Eshaness turbine is one of first
PERMISSION has been given to erect a wind turbine in Eshaness for some of Europe's first "unplugged" homes.
The two semi-detached Hjaltland Housing Association houses will not be connected to the electricity mains, getting their light, heat and hot water instead from a combination of wind and solar power plus energy stored as hydrogen.
The houses, near the Breiwick Cafe, have already been approved and on Wednesday their six kilowatt wind generator was agreed too, despite an objection from a neighbour, Susan Davidson.
The houses have been designed by Nick Brett of Richard Gibson Architects. Speaking in favour of the turbine, he told the meeting the project was a link-up between Hjaltland and the Unst-based Pure Energy Centre, which is pioneering hydrogen energy.
He said the collaboration to use hydrogen for houses was attracting international interest. "It's pretty cutting edge and it's one of the first attempts to do this in Europe."
Councillor Laura Baisley welcomed the development, saying that cheap-to-run houses could regenerate the isles and other remote places by helping make them viable to live in.