Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.6°C   ESE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Communities prepare for wind farm windfall

SHETLAND’S community councils, voluntary groups and small businesses could access millions of pounds through a community benefit fund, if the giant Viking Energy wind farm and other renewable schemes get off the ground.

Following last week’s decision to approve 103 Viking Energy turbines generating at least 370 megawatts, the newly formed Shetland Community Benefit Fund Co-operative (SCBFC) expects to earn almost £2 million a year.

Chairman Bobby Hunter points out the Scottish government is recommending a £5,000 per megawatt payout, an amount already being handed to the Forestry Commission and Highland Council.

With Viking Energy already being dubbed the world’s most productive wind farm based on figures produced by the five turbines at Burradale north of Lerwick, Mr Hunter thinks there is a strong basis to push for an even higher rate.

SCBFC was set up following a community consultation carried out 18 months ago. It has 18 directors, one representing each of the islands’ community councils.

They have agreed any income should be distributed throughout the isles, with more money going to the areas most affected due to their proximity to the turbines.

Avoiding charitable status will free the fund to invest, loan or donate to any
commercial, community or charitable cause it chooses.

The co-op is also planning to draw up its own development policies to provide guidance when it comes to making investment decisions.

Mr Hunter said he was confident Viking Energy and any other renewable developers who set themselves up in the isles would pay out.

“Wind farms have come to an agreement everywhere else in Scotland and this has the backing of every community council in Shetland, so I feel we have a body of opinion there that would be difficult to tell to go away,” he said.

“If Pelamis comes we will talk to them and to anyone else.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

He added that the co-op represented a wide range of views about the wind farm, which remains a controversial issue within the isles. Opposition campaign group Sustainable Shetland meet on Tuesday night to discuss their response to the government’s approval.

“From day one we have set out not to take a view either for or against the wind farm. We have had folk on the steering group opposed to it and in support of it and we have the same on the board.

“What we are saying is if there is a wind farm, we want to take advantage of it. If it doesn’t come we will go away.”

Following the approval of the Viking Energy scheme, SCBFC intend to approach the partnership to open talks as soon as possible.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.