Appraising renewable energy developments in remote communities: the case of the North Assynt Estate, Scotland

Renewable sources of energy currently supply just 1% of energy consumption in the United Kingdom (ENDS, 1998. The Ends Report No. 277, Environmental Data Services Ltd, pp. 43, 44). In this paper two economic appraisal techniques are applied with the aim of evaluating three renewable energy options: a three-turbine wind farm, a small-scale hydro scheme and biomass development — for a remote community in North West Scotland. Many renewable energy resources throughout Europe are concentrated by their nature in such remote areas. A strategy whereby remote communities could develop these resources could bring economic benefits to these areas: however, both financial and environmental cost implications also need to be addressed. An integral aspect of the research described herein was to develop approaches that could be followed and adapted for use by other communities wishing to plan for development of renewable energy. After a discussion of the implementation and results gained from applying a visitor impact analysis and a residents’ contingent valuation survey to our case study area (Assynt, in North West Scotland), we outline the advantages and limitations of using these techniques in other remote areas