Neshion’s energy park project submitted for planning approval
THE COMPANY behind plans for an eight turbine wind farm and a 25MW battery energy storage system (BESS) at the back of Sullom Voe Terminal has submitted its planning application to Scottish ministers.
Neshion Ltd, a joint venture of Shetland Aerogenerators and a local landowner, is hoping to receive consent for the project next year with a view to starting construction in 2029.
The company is looking at establishing a “private wire” with Sullom Voe Terminal as it has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Veri Energy on a synthetic fuel development at the terminal.
Neshion is also hoping for a grid connection via a proposed northern hub station.
In its planning application statement, the company said its 58MW wind farm and 25MW BESS project could over its 40 year lifespan generate as much as £310 million to the local economy, comprising £35 million from direct employment and £275 million from indirect economic effects.
Once operational, the facility would sustain an estimated 12 skilled roles and £2.55 million in annual local expenditure, the company said.
The project would also “make a valuable and important contribution to the attainment of the UK and Scottish Government policies of encouraging renewable energy developments; and in turn contribute to the achievement of UK and Scottish Government renewable energy and net zero targets”.
The company estimates that its proposed development could save almost 50,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
The maximum carbon payback period for the project has been calculated at three years. A habitat management plan and peat restoration project are all part of the proposal.
Neshion also highlights how its future cooperation with Sullom Voe Terminal would contribute towards the viability of the terminal as it transitions to low-carbon fuel production, which could help to save hundreds of jobs locally.
The project has already gone through several rounds of consultations with the local community.
Neshion has confirmed its commitment towards introducing a Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS) to provide financial relief for eligible households in the area.
The planning statement reads: “This was the preferred option for a community benefit package from local feedback in person and from online surveys.
“Linked to this, the applicant is also exploring participatory budgeting to empower residents in local decision-making. These initiatives are designed to ensure meaningful benefits for those most impacted by the project.”
The company is now seeking permission to construct up to eight turbines with a ground to tip height of 200 metres, an energy storage system and associated infrastructure on the 300-hectare site adjacent to the Sullom Voe Terminal and the Shetland Gas Plant and the settlements of Mossbank, Firth and Toft to the west.
With a planned generating capacity of above 50MW, it is for the Scottish Government’s energy consents unit to determine the application.
Shetland Islands Council will be a statutory consultee in the process.
Comments and concern about the planned development can be made to the energy consents unit until 14 September.
See also:
North Mainland energy park plans to be submitted to Scottish Government for approval
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