Letters / No justification for second cable
The National Energy System operator (Neso) has raised concern in the (London) Times with regards to over-supplying the UK electricity grid with proposals for an additional 800GW – four times the generation needed by 2030.
Presumably that includes egregious supplies from Shetland, both present and fictitious. The generation and provision of electricity closer to the end user – such as in and around River Thames and The Midlands, would be more appropriate and preclude electrons from Shetland which can only be justified by subsidies to SSE shareholders whilst adding to Shetland’s commercial and social disadvantage and detriment.
It surely follows that there is no justification for another electricity export cable from Shetland to mainland UK from both onshore Viking (additional turbines) and the more esoteric offshore [wind farm propsals] Arven and Stoura.
More turbines shut down, while the wind is blowing, producing no electricity but lots of money via Contracts for Difference for the SSE group (with the shareholders – hedge funds – and the UK Treasury applauding on the sidelines for their tax share) whilst it costs an arm and a leg to boil a kettle in Unst.
Faroes (autonomous) wouldn’t put up with it – neither should Shetland.
What do SIC members, their officials, MSP, MP and candidates propose to do about it? Stop work licences within 12 miles (as granted to Shetland by the UK ZCC Act 1974) or has the SIC abrogated that to its officials?
Time to take that back and re-establish control?
Cecil Robertson
Inverness
