Shetland Eyes Offshore Wind Testing Project Amid Local Concerns

The prospect of a new offshore wind test and demonstration project in Shetland waters has emerged following a recent consultation by the Scottish Government. The proposal suggests the development of an additional 1 gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind capacity across five regions in Scotland, one of which is Shetland. This initiative is aimed at testing technology and advancing renewable energy capabilities.

The Scottish Government’s updated marine plan for offshore wind energy includes the potential for the 1GW to be divided equally among the five regions, with Shetland potentially receiving up to 200 megawatts (MW). Two offshore wind farms, Stoura and Arven, are already on the table, proposing a combined capacity of 2.8GW east of Shetland through the ScotWind leasing scheme. These developments have faced significant opposition from local fishermen, who express concerns about losing access to traditional fishing grounds.

The response to the test and demonstration (T&D) proposal has been mixed. The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has voiced its opposition to the inclusion of an additional 1GW of offshore capacity, arguing that without adequate mitigation, the T&D projects could further threaten the viability of fishing communities and food security. The federation emphasized that the government must include fishing interests in key decision-making processes related to T&D sites.

Shetland Islands Council (SIC) also expressed concerns about the proposal, questioning the rationale behind allocating 200MW to the region when its share of the total offshore wind capacity for Scotland is only 7.25%. The council suggested that a more proportionate allocation would be approximately 72.5MW, equivalent to four or five current offshore wind turbines. The SIC argued that accommodating 200MW would place undue pressure on Shetland’s marine environment, which is already experiencing significant development activity.

The Scottish Government’s marine plan is designed to provide a spatial planning framework for offshore wind development. It aims to address environmental, social, and economic opportunities and constraints associated with such projects. The inclusion of T&D sites represents an effort to “future-proof” the plan, recognizing the need for additional testing of emerging technologies. According to the government, these T&D projects will likely be smaller than existing offshore wind projects, with each site not exceeding 100MW.

The government acknowledges the rapid development of offshore wind technology and the demand for seabed access for testing. However, it remains unclear when and where these T&D projects will be implemented. The government’s plan states that T&D projects are intended to avoid conflict with key shipping routes and high-density fishing areas.

In the consultation process, which ended with a public engagement event in Lerwick on August 1, 2023, feedback indicated that many local residents believe 200MW is excessive for the Shetland region. Concerns were raised about environmental impacts, particularly on seabirds and marine mammals, and the potential loss of access to productive fishing grounds.

The consultation received 211 responses regarding the inclusion of T&D projects in the marine plan. Of these, 97 respondents opposed the proposal, while 53 supported it, and 62 were uncertain. The Scottish Government plans to revise the draft updated plan to incorporate formal consultation responses and any additional supporting information.

The economic implications of offshore wind development are significant. According to a socio-economic assessment attached to the draft plan, Scottish fisheries could see a gross value added impact of between £70 million and £100 million over the next five decades from offshore wind. For Shetland, the estimated impact could be between £24 million and £35 million, which may lead to job losses in the fishing sector.

While some organizations, such as the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), support the T&D proposal for its potential to foster nature-positive offshore wind development, local fishermen and community representatives continue to advocate for a more cautious approach. The SFF has reiterated its call for a moratorium on any new offshore wind developments until more comprehensive assessments are conducted.

As the Scottish Government moves forward with the updated marine plan, the balance between advancing renewable energy and protecting local fishing interests remains a critical issue for the Shetland community. The final plan will be prepared and presented for approval by Scottish ministers, reflecting the input from stakeholders and the broader community.