The Isle’s 38-strong population has previously had to rely on costly and inconsistent diesel generators to provide electricity. Ingenco was asked to look at the problems of energy supply on the island and help to design and install a new system. Working in close partnership with the islanders, and with the financial backing of The Highlands and Islands Enterprise Network, Lochaber Limited, the National Lotteries Charities Board and Highland Council, as well as the fundraising efforts of the local community, Igenco developed a scheme to monitor the power generated by a wind turbine.
Individual households are notified by radio telemetry of excess capacity, and then have the option of using more power to heat storage heaters. If, on the other hand, output falls below minimum requirements, diesel generators make up the shortfall.
Ken Jackson, chief executive of Ingenco, commenting at the launch of the scheme, said: “It’s rewarding to see the completion of this project. Many of our team have been involved from the very beginning and have built up a strong relationship with the islanders. Our company is in its infancy and although this is a small contract compared to most of our work, it will have a positive effect on the quality of life on the Isle of Muck for many years to come.”