by Fiona Grahame

A turbine and gorse blowing in the perpetual wind

ORKNEY produces over 100% of its energy needs by renewable power. This is mainly wind although there are a variety of other renewable sources. The council’s Warehouse Building which houses Stromness Library uses a sea source heat pump. It uses warmth absorbed from Stromness harbour to provide heating for the buildings.

Ground source and air source heat pumps have been installed in some homes and buildings. Solar panels too have been fitted, especially to new builds where they can be flush with the roof.

At Grainbank, Kirkwall, Orkney Builders have collaborated with SOLO Energy to build 30 well insulated houses. Tesla batteries make the best use of solar generated power storing it up until it is needed. All operated by cloud based technology.