A DECISION to stand down the Rural Sector Wingen Ltd initiative has been taken by Maitland Mackie, despite strong public and political support for the unique venture.
A DECISION to stand down the Rural Sector Wingen Ltd initiative has been taken by Maitland Mackie, despite strong public and political support for the unique venture.
It is a personal decision taken partly due to the practical barriers being face
d as a result of the economic downturn. He now believes that in the current climate the project will be undeliverable in the short term.
Wingen was a plan with the potential to maker a major contribution towards solving the developing energy crisis, and to generate 100 per cent renewable wind energy for the UK. The principle objective of the initiative was to challenge the rural sector to take ownership of the planning for and the implementation of land based wind generated electricity.
Mr Mackie considered allowing more time for the initiative to start up, but he felt it unfair to keep people hanging on in the hope that Wingen would become operational, as those with potential sites should be free to make alternative arrangements.
He felt the current economic climate was hindering progress and would continue to do so as the initiative spread throughout the UK.
Commenting on his decision Mr Mackie said: "I have pushed my boat out to try and make this unusual scheme a reality. It is hugely disappointing to find myself not delivering. My enthusiasm has not waned but the practicalities have got in the way.
"I still think it a splendid plan, and hope that some enthusiasts, here and there, will have a go at putting together substantial local schemes on the rural/small-shareholder ownership lines pursued by Wingen. Indeed such activity would be the essence of Plan B. I am working on it.
"Energy4All is an agency worth contacting with a great track record in helping to create tailor-made community schemes."
He added: "Finally a big thank you to my wee advisory team, registrants, all the many supporters who have taken an interest, SAOS in particular, and the journalists of papers and magazines who have given highly supportive space to the project."
It is Mr Mackie's hope that hundreds of enthusiasts across the country will follow Mackie's of Scotland's example and set up smaller scale consortia or community owned projects taking on board the "rural sector ownership" objectives of Wingen.
The website www.wingen.co.uk is to remain live, in order to leave a legacy to all onshore wind generation projects yet to come, and to provide information and guidance for these future projects.
