What is the project challenge?

Renewable energy sources challenge us to think differently about the expectation that energy is always available whenever we demand it. ‘On Supply’ will work with the citizens of Tiree, a small island off the west coast of Scotland, to explore how new energy  awareness devices might help communities reflect on when energy is available and promote use at ‘greener’ times.

Due to a favourable wind environment, the citizens of Tiree generate a significant proportion of their energy using ‘Tilley’, a 900kW turbine. This project will work with local communities to co-design interactive technologies aimed at reinforcing the connection between citizens and the energy from their turbine.

Who are involved?

The project brings together University academics from Lancaster, Birmingham and  Goldsmiths, Digital Westie and Cleanweb, to work with the Tiree Trust, and citizens of Tiree.

What new digital technology is developing?

The project is currently developing ideas to explicitly prototype and trial new technology designs to stimulate citizens into thinking innovatively about how to adapt their lifestyles in response to green energy availability. These ideas will be showcased at the Community Relay Event.

What are the intended impacts?

On Supply will contribute to the debate in sustainability generally and specifically in sustainable human computer interaction, generating an understanding of what would make people change behaviour regarding the energy they use. The project hopes to produce publications and outreach, a legacy proof of concept infrastructure for monitoring home use, grid load and Tilley (the turbine) generation. In consideration for longer term development the project may involve further communities (e.g. the nearby island of Eigg).