News / Minister could see Viking plans by August
PLANS for the huge Viking Energy wind farm in Shetland could be before energy minister Fergus Ewing by the end of August, according to the developer.
The Scottish government’s energy consents unit (ECU) has agreed to hold on to the application for the 457 megawatt development until 1 August while Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) study new data concerning protected bird species.
SNH have objected to plans for one of Europe’s largest onshore wind farms on grounds of its visual impact on the landscape and the danger it poses to protected birds, notably whimbrel.
The government agency is the only statutory consultee with an outstanding objection, though other bird and environmental groups have formally opposed the plan, along with 2,700 individuals. A further 1,100 have voiced their support.
While landscape concerns are taken seriously, it is the fate of the whimbrel that puts Viking Energy in danger of breaking the law by disturbing red-listed breeding birds.
The developers claim that the 127 turbines, each measuring 145 metres in height, will only kill 2.1 whimbrel in comparison to the 108 that can be expected to die through natural causes each year.
SNH are concerned as Shetland’s 300 pairs represent 95 per cent of the UK population, which is on the decline and any extra deaths could provide the tipping point for the species.
Two weeks ago Viking submitted large quantities of ornithological data to SNH, who have promised to respond by the end of July.
If their response provokes Viking to alter their plan in any way, the consortium will have to submit a second addendum and go out to further consultation.
However Viking Energy project co-ordinator Allan Wishart said he believed their discussions with SNH would end at that point and they would simply ask the ECU to present their bid to the minister.
Mr Wishart said: “We have given SNH the data they asked for and they can respond by not changing their view, changing it slightly or even withdrawing their objection.
“But I think at that stage we both understand that we have both gone as far as we can and we will simply lay all that evidence in front of the energy consents unit who will have to decide whether this is really taking account of the public interest, such as climate change, rising fuel prices, energy security and the Shetland economy.
“I would certainly hope that the ECU will be able to complete their work by the end of August.”
Kevin Learmonth, acting chairman of anti-Viking campaign group Sustainable Shetland, said they were concerned that the developer intended to discourage birds from breeding in the area during the construction phase.
“Technically that is within the law, but in practice what will happen is birds will be forced to go to less favourable breeding areas and there will be less breeding success so ultimately there will be fewer birds,” he said.
SNH renewable energy casework advisor Nina Turner said they had sought further information to clarify the impact the 127 turbines would have on whimbrel.
“It is the overall level of impact that causes us concern and we are looking for clarity on the figures that Viking have provided,” she said.
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