Invention and Intransigence
Friday visit with Arne Vogler at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Stornaway where he directs the sustainable energy programme. The university is one of 16 colleges and research colleges spread across northern Scotland.
His tour with his staff was generous and illuminating where they are researching wave technology, computer mapping of effects on coastal erosion, retro fitting proposals for schools and wind turbines. You are so aware of the natural power station that the Isle of Lewis is with an abundance of powerful carbon zero energy sources which fly in the face of an intransigent use of oil power stations and domestic oil fired boilers and poorly insulated modern buildings. It underlines just how difficult it is to get a real movement towards using the abundance of natural power available, building architecture that reduces energy bills and transport using electricity or hydrogen, both of which are easily doable on these wild and beautiful islands.
Additional research by Arne is in the use of Hydrogen as a fuel source of ferries and the fishing fleet. Initial experiments allow 30% of diesel fuel to be replaced by hydrogen using existing engines. By introducing just 1% hydrogen into diesel engines would stop unspent diesel fuel being released into the atmosphere in the form of pollution clouds of smelly clouds of fumes.
Having the Skye architect Mary Arnold-Forster onboard gives us real insight of her frustration with local intransigence of imbedded practice counterpointed with the reality of inspired clients and communities.
David Buckland 5th August.
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