Discover Orkney's energy story
From ancient watermills and peat-cutting sites to world-leading wind, tidal and hydrogen projects, Orkney's relationship with energy has shaped island life for centuries. The Orkney Energy Trail brings these stories together in one interactive online experience, helping residents and visitors discover the people, places and innovations behind Orkney's remarkable energy journey.
An island story of innovation
Orkney is internationally recognised for pioneering renewable energy, but today's innovations are part of a much longer story. The Orkney Energy Trail explores how island communities have harnessed local resources over generations, from traditional technologies that powered daily life to the cutting-edge energy solutions being developed and tested today.
Using an interactive map and timeline, you can uncover the locations, heritage sites, museums, community projects and renewable energy developments that have played a role in shaping Orkney's energy history.
What you'll discover
- Historic watermills, peat-cutting sites and energy heritage locations
- Community-led energy initiatives
- Wind, wave and tidal energy projects
- Hydrogen innovation and emerging technologies
- Museums and visitor attractions connected to Orkney's energy story
- An interactive timeline showing how energy use has evolved across the centuries
Explore online or in person
Whether you're planning a visit to Orkney, researching the islands' energy heritage, or simply curious about how innovation has developed here, the trail can be explored from anywhere on a computer, tablet or mobile phone. Some locations can also be experienced in person while visiting the islands.
Supporting learning, tourism and community engagement
The Orkney Energy Trail makes Orkney's energy story more accessible to wider audiences while supporting tourism, education and public engagement. By connecting sites, stories and innovations across the islands, the trail helps people understand how Orkney continues to embrace new opportunities and contribute to the global energy transition.
Start Exploring today!
Explore the interactive map, follow the timeline, and discover the people and places that have helped shape Orkney's unique energy story.