Varuna
Perched high on the moorland above Acheninver, beneath the towering Ben Mor Coigach, stands a remarkable community-driven project – the Coigach wind turbine, Varuna. Overlooking the Summer Isles and the Minch, this turbine represents more than renewable energy; it’s a testament to local initiative and environmental stewardship.
Varuna, under construction, with a sheep dog playing in the heather
Named in tribute to a local fisherman’s boat, Varuna has stood tall since 2017, harnessing the power of the wind to fuel a brighter future. From its conception to its installation, this turbine has been a collaborative effort, uniting the community around a shared vision of sustainability and progress. As well as benefitting from the experiences of other communities, the project drew the interest of The University of Flensberg who twice visited with a group of international post graduate students.
Impact Beyond Energy
Varuna’s impact reaches far beyond generating clean energy. Managed by Coigach Community CIC, all the profits from the turbine are donated to the Local Development Company and the donation this year has taken to total to over £1M. These funds have supported local infrastructure, social programmes, and development initiatives, directly benefiting the people of Coigach.
A Word from Alison Sinclair
“As a Principal Engineer at Luths Services, I’ve seen firsthand how renewable energy projects like Varuna can transform communities. Beyond reducing carbon emissions, they empower local residents and allow them to make decisions which tackle local issues. It’s incredible to see the difference a project like this can make. Scotland has some of the most efficient onshore wind in the UK, and as we move towards Net Zero it’s important to secure a just transition that benefits all of our communities.” – Alison, Principal Engineer at Luths Services–Coigach Community CIC Director
Why Varuna Matters
Varuna is more than a local success story – it’s a model for how renewable energy can drive sustainable progress. At Luths Services, we are proud to support team members initiatives like this which are committed to helping communities across the UK harness the power of renewable energy to achieve their goals
Projects like Varuna show us what’s possible when communities come together to embrace renewable energy. At Luths Services, we’re excited to continue driving sustainable innovation and helping communities thrive. Ready to explore what renewable energy can do for your community? Get in touch with us today!
