Developers have submitted scoping papers to the Scottish Government for a 50MW wind and battery storage park next to one of Europe’s largest oil terminals.
Neshion Ltd, a local joint venture, has announced that planning is underway for the energy park, which would be located immediately to the east of Sullom Voe Oil Terminal and the Shetland Gas Plant in the north mainland of Shetland.
The development of Neshion Energy Park (NEP) is being led by Shetland Aerogenerators on behalf of Neshion Ltd.
The proposed NEP development comprises up to 10 wind turbines, a battery energy storage system (BESS), access tracks and areas for other energy-related infrastructure.
As the project has an estimated combined total generating capacity of over 50MW, a scoping report has been submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU).
The response from the ECU will inform the Environmental Impact Assessment undertaken for NEP.
Construction work is expected to start before 2030 depending on the timeline for consent and availability of technology. The build time is estimated to be between 24 and 36 months.
Neshion Ltd is hosting a public engagement event to share information about their plans and receive input from the community.
The event will be held at Mossbank Public Hall on 27 March between 2pm and 7pm and will cover an overview of the proposed development, the approach to the Environmental Impact Assessment, and the potential benefits of the project.
Project manager at Shetland Aerogenerators and community engagement lead for NEP Lauren Anderson said: “As a Shetland-based venture, we are keen to engage with the local community.
“Our event on 27 March will allow people to find out more about our plans and to share their views on how the development can best contribute to community priorities through community benefit schemes and the potential for shared ownership.”
Chief executive of Shetland Aerogenerators and director of Neshion Ltd David Thomson said the submission of the scoping report was a “milestone” for the project.
He added: “As we prepare to submit a full planning application, we are also exploring how this project can help deliver Shetland’s ambitions to secure a fair share from clean energy development.
“Neshion Energy Park is being developed In Shetland, by Shetland and ror Shetland. As a local company we intend to deliver what has been discussed recently around community participation.
“We want to help maximise the benefits of the energy transition for the people who live here and become a standard bearer for projects across Scotland.”