Energy / SSEN pledges to ‘carefully consider’ community feedback
SSEN Transmission says it will “carefully consider” feedback given by local residents on controversial energy infrastructure plans – including a petition signed by more than 1,600 people.
The company has sought to thank the Shetland community for its engagement with a recent consultation on proposals for a new substation and overhead lines.
It is the proposed tall overhead lines, or ‘pylons’, which have caused particular concern – with the Voe Community Development Association (VCDA) creating a petition off the back of the plans.
The petitions’ 1,623 signatories want the company to bury all transmission cables rather than erecting the large pylons to connect infrastructure planned as part of the energy transition.
These overhead lines stand to be taller than any already in Shetland, including those constructed in recent years between Tingwall and Sandwater.
SSEN’s latest consultation gave residents the opportunity to review plans for the proposed ‘Kergord 2’ substation, with shortlisted sites near Voe.
There are proposed new overhead lines linking the existing Kergord substation to Kergord 2, and a proposed Northern Substation Hub in the Scatsta/Sullom Voe area.
SSEN said these plans form part of a wider Shetland strategy, which “aims to deliver new onshore energy infrastructure to enable renewable energy connections and strengthen the electricity grid in the islands”.
SSEN Transmission added that it will consider the contents of the petition with a view to discussing the issues raised with VCDA in due course.
Lead project manager Cath Swan said: “Feedback from the public is a key part of our project development process, and we’d like to thank everyone who provided constructive and thoughtful input on both the Kergord 2 substation and associated overhead line proposals during our recent Voe consultation event.
“We also acknowledge the petition submitted by VDCA, and appreciate the community’s commitment to engaging in our decision-making process.
“This feedback will be carefully considered as we continue to assess the most appropriate technology choices for these connections, which are essential for enabling offshore wind, supporting national clean energy targets, and strengthening Shetland’s energy security and economy.
“As the transmission operator for the north of Scotland, we have a responsibility to deliver these connections, and we remain committed to minimising impacts wherever possible.
“The feedback we have received will help refine our plans, and we look forward to returning in early summer to share our updated proposals with the public and invite their views.”
Speaking to Shetland News earlier this week, VCDA’s Martin Naylor said: “When future generations ask what we did to protect the unique character of these islands, we should be able to say that we asserted ourselves and ensured that development was carried out in a thoughtful, sensitive and well-negotiated manner – setting a global example of how councils and communities can work constructively and successfully with large corporations.”
He added that the ball was now in SSEN Transmission’s court to send “a clear signal not only to Shetland residents but also to future industrial developers” about the standards the company upholds.
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