Letters / Do we really want to see more massive industrialisation?

The report that the energy regulator (Ofgem) is supportive of the need for a second inter-connector to Shetland is very concerning, not to mention depressing.

Energy regulator has ‘high degree of confidence’ second HVDC link is needed

The size of the proposed second inter-connector at 1.8 GW will encourage very large-scale developments, both on and offshore. Have the environmental implications of this been thoroughly examined? Where is the infrastructure for all this going to go? Have the SIC been consulted or is it just assumed they will be supportive?

Is it not premature to rush ahead with further subsea cabling before the first cable has proved to be successful?

The impact on our local fishing industry of excessive offshore wind development promises to be severe. Can we risk damaging such an important industry for Shetland?

Do we really want to see more massive industrialisation on and around Shetland? The cost of an inter-connector like this will be well over £1 billion. Can this expenditure possibly be justified?

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It seems obvious, with the short timescale for responses, that this is yet another Ofgem consultation where the decision has already been made and any negative responses will be dismissed out of hand.  It would appear that SSE are pressurising Ofgem into rapid final approval for the second cable and that Ofgem are happy to go along with their demands.

It is clear from the consultation documentation that Ofgem intend to put the second Shetland cable on a “delivery track” and if this is allowed the cable will almost certainly go ahead.

There are far too many questions surrounding all of this for a hasty decision on a second inter-connector to be taken at present. Any decision on a second cable needs to be paused until all the issues are fully examined.

It is also high time that Ofgem prioritised value for money to electricity consumers above backing very expensive renewables whose “green” credentials are, to say the least, questionable.

Frank Hay
Chair
Sustainable Shetland
Weisdale

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