Offshore Wind Test Project Proposal Sparks Debate in Shetland

The prospect of a significant offshore wind “test and demonstration” project in Shetland waters has emerged, following a recent consultation by the Scottish Government. The proposal suggests an additional capacity of up to 1 gigawatt (GW) for testing new technologies in offshore wind energy across Scotland, with Shetland being one of five regions considered for this development.

This initiative is part of an updated marine plan for offshore wind energy, which aims to create a framework for the ScotWind leasing scheme and address potential environmental, social, and economic impacts. Currently, two offshore wind farms—Stoura and Arven—with a combined capacity of 2.8 GW are proposed east of Shetland, but they have faced strong opposition from local fishermen. Concerns center around the potential displacement from traditional fishing grounds, which could threaten community livelihoods and food security.

Local reactions to the new T&D proposal have varied. The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has expressed strong opposition, stating that the additional 1 GW would exacerbate existing spatial conflicts in marine areas. The SFF emphasized the need for adequate mitigation measures, arguing that without them, fishing communities could face significant challenges.

In contrast, Shetland Islands Council (SIC) described the proposed division of 1 GW—with a potential allocation of up to 200 megawatts (MW) in the Shetland region—as “disproportionate.” The council questioned the rationale behind placing T&D sites outside areas already designated for offshore wind farms, suggesting that the allocation should align more closely with Shetland’s existing share of offshore capacity.

The updated marine plan, consulted on earlier this year, includes new considerations for T&D projects. It aims to future-proof plans by allowing for smaller-scale testing of emerging technologies, with individual T&D sites expected to be no larger than 100 MW. The Scottish Government acknowledged that demand for seabed access for testing is likely to increase but noted that specifics regarding the timing and location remain uncertain.

In a detailed response, the SFF called for more substantial involvement in the decision-making processes related to T&D site selection. They reiterated the importance of compensation for affected fishermen and called for a moratorium on further offshore wind developments until concerns are addressed.

The economic implications of offshore wind development are significant. A socio-economic assessment within the draft plan estimated a potential £70 million to £100 million gross value added impact on Scottish fisheries over the next fifty years. For Shetland, this could translate to an impact of £24 million to £35 million, possibly leading to job losses in the sector.

The Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the time for experimentation in the marine environment has passed. They expressed concerns over the environmental impacts, particularly regarding seabird populations and marine mammals, alongside the potential disruption of fishing activities due to new developments.

The consultation received a mixed response, with 211 replies to the question of including T&D projects in the plan. Of these, 97 respondents opposed the inclusion, while 53 supported it. The feedback highlighted widespread concern about the proposed 200 MW allocation for Shetland, with many feeling it was too high given the region’s existing commitments.

Looking ahead, the Scottish Government plans to revise the draft updated plan based on the consultation feedback. If substantial changes are required, further assessments or consultations may be necessary before the final version is presented for approval.

As discussions continue, the potential for offshore wind development in Shetland remains a contentious issue, with local stakeholders seeking to balance innovation in renewable energy with the preservation of traditional fishing practices and community livelihoods.