Shetland Faces Energy Industrialisation: A Call for Local Control

Shetland is at a pivotal moment as local communities grapple with ambitious energy proposals that could reshape the islands significantly. During a consultation hosted by the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) on November 27, 2023, residents voiced their concerns about what many perceive as an impending wave of over-industrialisation. The proposals on the table include three substations, two ammonia plants, two subsea linking cables, one export cable from offshore east Shetland, three onshore wind farms, three floating offshore wind farms, and an overhead connection network, totaling fifteen new energy projects.

Hannah Mary Goodlad, a candidate for the Scottish Parliament, expressed gratitude to the attendees for their engagement and shared her insights from over a decade of experience in various energy projects. She emphasized the importance of striking a balance between industrial development and preserving the community’s integrity. “We need good jobs, secure livelihoods, and a future for young people and families,” she stated, underlining that Shetland is not merely a retreat for those seeking a quieter life.

The consultation highlighted that while Shetland’s landscape has historically been shaped by both nature and industry, there is a fine line between meaningful industry and excessive industrialisation. Goodlad pointed out that the sheer scale of the proposed projects is unprecedented for a small community like Shetland. “I know of no other small community in the world being asked to absorb anything on that scale,” she remarked. The potential overreach of these developments raises concerns about prioritising commercial interests over community well-being.

Lessons from the Faroe Islands

Goodlad drew comparisons with the Faroe Islands, where energy resources are community-owned and profits are reinvested into local infrastructure and innovation. “There’s no ‘fuel poverty’ in the Faroes,” she noted, contrasting this with Shetland’s situation, where a significant portion of the community faces energy-related financial struggles.

The Viking Energy project, one of the largest onshore wind farms in Europe, frequently curtails power generation, which raises questions about the benefits being reaped by the local population. Goodlad argued that while the wind energy generated profits for private entities, it simultaneously leaves many Shetlanders without adequate heating in their homes.

The disparity between Shetland’s energy situation and that of the Faroe Islands illustrates the need for Shetland to reclaim its confidence in managing its resources and to advocate for local benefits from industrial projects.

Demands for Community Control

A clear call to action emerged from the consultation. Goodlad articulated a vision for Shetland’s future that emphasizes local control over planning and development. She proposed several key demands:

1. All onshore planning decisions should be devolved to Shetland, allowing the local council to determine the conditions under which developments proceed.
2. Planning consent should be linked to community equity ownership, ensuring that residents benefit financially from local projects.
3. New overhead power lines must be buried to protect the islands’ natural landscapes.
4. Local firms should be prioritized in project contracts to secure jobs and economic opportunities for Shetlanders.
5. Developers must contribute to a legacy of affordable housing within the community, not just in urban centres like Lerwick.
6. A binding Just Transition Plan must be established for the workforce of Shetland’s energy sector, providing clear pathways to new jobs and training opportunities.

Goodlad acknowledged that implementing these demands would not be easy, but she insisted on their necessity for ensuring the community’s long-term prosperity. She referenced the Zetland County Council Act of 1974, which empowered local leaders to manage resources responsibly during the oil boom. “We need to find that confidence again,” she said, calling for a renewed commitment to local governance and sustainable development.

As the Scottish Parliament elections approach in May 2024, Goodlad pledged to work with the Shetland Islands Council to advocate for these priorities. “The status quo isn’t working,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for Shetland to secure its place in future energy discussions. The island community must demand a seat at the table where critical decisions regarding their future are made, ensuring that any industrial advancements serve the broader interests of Shetland’s residents.