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island news Edition 06 August 2012
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OPERATION TURBINE A massive logistical operation swings into action this month to deliver three huge wind turbines to South Uist.
The turbines, destined for Stòras Uibhist’s Loch Carnan site, measure 100m to the tip of the highest blade. Each blade measures 34m. The combined weight of the Enercon E70 turbines is 460 tonnes, which includes three engines at 52 tonnes apiece. A specialist ship, BBC Hollum, has been chartered to bring the turbines into Lochmaddy after Loch Carnan harbour proved too small for the task. The vessel has two cranes which can lift a combined weight of 120 tonnes. It is roughly the same size as the ferry MV Hebrides, and will occupy the ferry moorings over several days, moving out to make way for the ferry. It will take 20 movements to discharge the full load. Lochmaddy pier had to be tested to see if it is strong enough to take the weight of the components. A test hole was bored into the concrete, and the pier passed muster. On dry land, the operation passes into the care of specialist hauliers, Collett.
Test run of the dummy turbine blade.
HARRIS
They are using a 35m extendable trailer with rear wheel steering to transport the components to the site, and have already carried out a test run with a dummy turbine blade (pictured) to check the road width and bends, and the strength of the bridges all the way to Loch Carnan. Some works have had to be undertaken to accommodate the loads, with this part of the operation masterminded by Stòras Uibhist’s development manager Kirsty Campbell. Ms Campbell said: “We worked with the roads department to sort out a few issues. The lorry will be travelling through Balivanich to take advantage of the double track roads so we’ve had to straighten Creagorry junction temporarily, and create a bell mouth at the turn off on the Lochcarnan road. “Two signposts near Clachan and Carinish will be removed to allow the widest load past. All these things are temporary and will be reinstated.”
BERNERAY
But that is not all Ms Campbell has had to worry about. A 500 tonne crane is being brought in aboard MV Clansman via Lochboisdale for the construction of the turbines. Ms Campbell said: “The crane requires a road width of 3m, and parts of the Lochcarnan road are just under. This section is being widened to accept the crane along the entire length.” Once the turbines are delivered to the site, it is expected that they will be up in three weeks, with a further month or so required to carry out the internal cabling and commissioning. Meanwhile the three turbines are set to take on their own personalities. Stòras Uibhist is running a competition for local children to name each of them. Ms Campbell said: “All the estate area primary schools will be invited to suggest names for the turbines, and to design a logo which will be used on the sign for the site and in our communications. We will be looking for entries by the October holidays ready for an official naming ceremony and switch on later in the year.”
NORTH UIST
BENBECULA
SOUTH UIST
ERISKAY