Councillor Advocates for Community Ownership in Shetland’s Energy Transition

A local councillor in Shetland is urging a shift from “corporate-owned” wind farms to community-led energy projects. Alex Armitage, a Green councillor, argues that community control over development can better address local needs. He cites the successful Garth wind farm, owned by the North Yell Development Council (NYDC), as a model, noting that it contributes significantly to the community.

Armitage’s comments follow visits from delegations representing the Labour-led GB Energy scheme and the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. These delegations toured Shetland in April 2023 to explore investment opportunities in local energy projects. According to a report presented to the Shetland Islands Council (SIC), delegates met with several prospective energy developers to discuss potential collaborations.

During the same period, representatives from the UK Government visited the Viking wind farm and the Sullom Voe Terminal, assessing energy transition opportunities in Shetland. The SIC chief executive, Maggie Sandison, highlighted the importance of continued dialogue with government officials to address the “inequity” faced by Shetland, which experiences high levels of fuel poverty despite being a net energy exporter.

Sandison reaffirmed SIC’s commitment to ensuring the benefits of renewable energy developments reach local communities. She emphasized the need for equitable sharing of resources, stating, “Shetland Islands Council remains committed to the principles laid out in ‘A Fair Share for Shetland.’”

The SIC has also established a Shetland Power System Working Group to assess development frameworks and community benefits related to energy projects. This initiative seeks to ensure that the community receives fair compensation from energy developments.

Armitage expressed concerns about the dominance of large corporations in the energy sector. He stated that “large energy corporations, with their paid lobbyists, in-house legal teams, and technical staff are adept at benefiting from the current, top-down system.” He stressed that community groups like NYDC face significant challenges in pursuing renewable energy projects.

He highlighted the financial sustainability of community-led projects, asserting that the Garth wind farm generates a community benefit fund of approximately £2.2 million annually, despite being significantly smaller than corporate-owned projects like Viking. Armitage proposed a halt to further development of corporate-owned wind farms in Shetland, advocating instead for community-led initiatives.

“The Garth wind farm’s construction was a monumental feat; we should be grateful to NYDC for demonstrating that an alternative model of renewable energy development is possible,” Armitage remarked. He emphasized the need for a shift in ownership and control from corporations to local communities, stating that “community-owned and community-led democratic development is surely the way to go.”

Despite Armitage’s strong advocacy for community-led projects, discussions are ongoing regarding potential shared ownership in upcoming developments. Some community councils are considering investments in projects proposed by Statkraft, including wind farms near Lerwick.

As Shetland navigates its energy future, the balance between corporate interests and community empowerment remains a contentious issue. The outcomes of these discussions may shape the energy landscape in the region for years to come.