Local energy company Shetland Aerogenerators Ltd has submitted a planning application to the Shetland Islands Council. Shetland Aerogenerators is also exploring routing community benefit payments from the development into schemes such as Hjaltland Housing Association’s existing Fuel Vouchers scheme, which will help some people experiencing fuel poverty to pay their energy bills.
The proposed development consists of a single wind turbine and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a combined total generating capacity of up to 19.9 megawatts (MW) – enough electricity to power the equivalent of 6,900 average Scottish households.
The proposed development will replace two previously consented wind turbines at Luggie’s Knowe, Lerwick. Planning permission was granted in 2012 for the construction and operation of three wind turbines. One of the consented wind turbines was constructed and has been operational since 2015.
Lauren Anderson, Project Manager says: “We are pleased to have reached this phase in development. The existing consent was obtained over 11 years ago, and we’ve spent the last 18 months carrying out a full Environmental Impact Assessment in line with National Planning Framework 4. This project demonstrates less impact and greater benefit than the consented option it replaces”.
“The addition of our BESS will give us new options for how we can use this locally generated energy, with potential to store excess power until it is needed and consider new customers among the nearby industries.”
Shetland Aero Chief Executive, David Thomson says: “Shetland Aerogenerators has pioneered the development of renewable energy in Shetland. This will be another significant investment by us in Shetland’s energy transition. Our vision is to deliver clean sustainable energy, along with improved energy security and local employment opportunities. Our company is changing to meet the challenges ahead while supporting Shetland’s drive towards its net zero targets.
“I’m also excited about the potential for this development to make a difference to fuel poverty in Shetland, through any partnership we can explore with Hjaltland Housing Association.”
If consent for the project is granted, construction work could start in 2025 depending on availability of technology. The build time is estimated to be between 9-12 months.
