en.Wedoany.com Reported - North Ayrshire Council's collaborative project has installed solar photovoltaic panels and battery energy storage systems in over 30 households on Great Cumbrae Island. The community-led Millport Solar and Battery Project is being implemented in phases, aiming to reduce Scope 2 carbon emissions, address fuel poverty, and enhance local energy resilience.
The project is part of the Scottish Government's Carbon Neutral Islands (CNI) government commitment program, which supports six islands in demonstrating their climate resilience and low-carbon development potential. The latest phase of the project is expected to reduce approximately 24 tonnes of CO2 emissions in its first year and contribute over £20,000 in cost savings towards the island's decarbonization goals.
The project is managed by North Ayrshire Council's Energy and Sustainability Team, led locally by Carbon Neutral Cumbrae, and supported by Scottish Government Islands Programme funding. Installation work was carried out by Union Technical, with a total of 31 systems installed in the latest phase.
Councillor Eleanor Collier, North Ayrshire Council's Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, stated that the project will generate clean energy, help islanders reduce energy costs, and contribute to lowering residents' carbon footprints. The installed systems are equipped with emergency backup power, ensuring residents have continuous access to basic electricity for lighting, small appliances, and mobile device charging when the main power supply is unavailable.
Councillor Hill, North Ayrshire Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing, and Islands, added that they are pleased to collaborate with CNI on this project and appreciate the ongoing efforts of all participants. As a community benefit, Union Technical donated a defibrillator to the Millport Community Fire Station, which will serve over 300 households. The defibrillator was originally installed on the island following the passing of Colin McCuaig, known as Coldo, after his partner Jane Flemming, along with friend and local firefighter Stewart Cape, launched a fundraising campaign in his memory.
Scott Watson, Community Development Officer for Carbon Neutral Cumbrae, expressed their delight in working with the council and Union Technical. The donated defibrillator replaces outdated public equipment at the fire station, while the collaborative team's meticulous efforts have had a lasting positive impact on Cumbrae. Since the CNI project launched locally in January 2023, the total rooftop solar PV generation capacity on Cumbrae has increased by 632%, saving over £100,000 annually in combined energy costs and an estimated reduction of 123 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
The project has received local and national recognition, including the 2024 Scottish Energy Efficiency Award for "Small Project of the Year," the 2025 Scottish Green Energy Award for "Best Community Project," and was shortlisted among the top five in the UK for the 2026 Ashden Awards in the Local Energy Innovation category. It was also named a top-three finalist for the 2026 North Ayrshire Environmental Community Champion Award. Chris Cogan, Construction Director at Union Technical, stated that such projects demonstrate what can be achieved by improving existing housing stock in a meaningful and practical way, installing high-quality solar and battery systems to reduce emissions while helping lower energy bills and improving comfort and energy efficiency in residents' homes.
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