SSE Renewables has been nominated for two Scottish Green Energy Award in relation to activities at its Viking wind farm on Shetland.
The two categories are the “Sustainable Development Award” for Peatland Restoration works at Viking and “Best Community Engagement Strategy”, for the wind farm.
The awards are organised by Scottish Renewables.
The “Sustainable Development Award” nomination acknowledges Viking Wind Farm’s extensive Peatland Restoration programme which forms part of a wider Habitat Management Plan.
The wind farm is situated in peatland affected by extreme erosion and the project is addressing the ongoing loss of carbon dioxide by undertaking the restoration of eroded areas.
Drawing on local expertise and resources, 272 hectare of eroded degrading peatland is being restored using disturbed peat to initially preserve integrity and then by undertaking traditional peatland restoration techniques, returning areas to an active peatland habitat.
David McGinty, Environmental Site Manager for Viking Energy Wind Farm, said: “Where the wind farm is located, there is extreme peatland erosion, and we have worked with local contractors and peatland restoration specialists to ensure disturbed peat is carefully managed and utilised to allow the restoration and regeneration of active peatland areas.
“We have sourced a locally harvested seed mix to allow revegetation where turves were not available due to erosion, so saving on importing a less natural seed mix.
“We are already seeing the reformation of active peatland in areas completed in 2021/2022.
“The programme of works will continue in 2024/2025 and will be monitored throughout the lifetime of the wind farm”
Viking’s Community Engagement Strategy considers young people in Shetland as a priority stakeholder, so a range of activities were developed to take the project and renewable energy story to them.
This was achieved by working with teaching staff, University of the Highlands and Islands, SDS and DYW, which were all integral to ensuring sessions were curriculum supportive.
The strategy allowed for engagement with over a thousand students aged five to 18 both on site and in the classroom, educating on climate change, the weather, how wind farms are built and work, the world of work and career paths.
Community Engagement Manager for Viking Warm Farm, Julie Graham, said: “We’re extremely proud of our engagement with young people in Shetland which allows us to interact with a large percentage of the population and share our story.”