Mull and Iona Community Trust Mull and Iona Community Trust

In 2010, local residents made the decision to develop renewable energy generation on the Isle of Mull in Scotland with a view to addressing both local energy security and the climate crisis. Owing to the island’s rich wildlife, it was decided that the community would eschew wind in favour of hydroelectric generation. £1.5 million was raised via loans and a community share offer to cover the capital costs of one of the earliest community-owned renewable energy generation sites – Garmony Hydro. Completed in 2015, the scheme generates 1,100 megawatt hours per year– enough to power approximately 285 homes. The Garmony Hydro Scheme and subsequent Waterfall Fund have had a hugely positive impact on Mull & Iona Community Trust – in terms of enhanced local recognition and reputation – but even more so for the local community: households have benefited from clean energy and improved, affordable heating as well as hardship funds, and the community has benefitted from sustained investment and business creation.