Scottish island to be first 100% self-sustaining place on earth.

[elleng]

Eigg has a pristine landscape, a broad array of sustainable strategies and gets over 90% of its energy from renewable sources. Along with its witty accent, the Scots offer an example of how to live well, without fossil fuels and rampant ecological and environmental degradation. . .

Solar panels, wind turbines and hydroelectric schemes sprinkled across the island meet the energy requirements of almost all of its residents. With a $2.64 million electricity grid switched on back in 2008, operating independently of the UK’s national grid, the island wasn’t able to bring in big energy companies, so they did something unthinkable – they used their electricity economically – keeping consumption under 5 kilowatts, with a limit for businesses at 10 kilowatts.

http://www.nationofchange.org/island-scotland-be-first-100-self-sustaining-place-earth-1392131918

[shenmue]

1. Neat!

If only we all do that.

[pediatricmedic]

2. Not really that neat when you think about it

They spent $2.64 million to only produce 15 kilowatts for about 85 people. They are not self-sustainable either. They must still use diesel to import food, tourists, and for fishing boats.

A 15 kilowatt solar or wind system should be under $100,000. Some internet quotes for complete systems are closer to $35,000 total. Installing the system would probably cost as much as the system itself given the area this covers. Even doing stuff like buying high efficiency appliances, insulating homes, and LED lighting should not have pushed the price above $500,000.

I think somebody lined their own pocket rather nicely and ended up looking good in the process.

[kristopher]

3. And I think you have little but distorted conjecture to go on...

Your "analysis" is, to put it kindly, superficial and utterly meaningless since you have absolutely no idea what amount of energy - for all applications - is being provided by their system. Nor do you have any grasp at all of the onsite costs that emerge due to local circumstances and conditions.

It's absolutely amazing how far some people will go to extend their negativism into the world around them.