A Fair Share for Shetland’ – Independent Task Force reports on ways to achieve greater value and benefit from energy renewables

The report has been produced by the isles' first Energy Transition Task Force, chaired by Neil McInroy, who was Community Wealth Building Adviser to the Scottish Government and is currently Global Lead for Community Wealth Building at The Democracy Collaborative. The task force is made up of the local authority, representatives from the energy industry (NORN, VOAR and the Shetland Net Zero Forum), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Hjaltland Housing Association, UHI Shetland and Shetland's two Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The task force's starting point for 'A Fair Share for Shetland' recognised that energy transition will fundamentally affect all aspects of life in Shetland, that a balance must be struck between the impact and potential benefits of future developments, the need for those to be managed effectively, and for Shetland's interests to be central to any future negotiations.

The paper provides clarity, through a framework that explores the ways by which Shetland could achieve a fair share of energy renewable activity. While acknowledging the ways Shetland could potentially limit development, it also explores aspects such as community benefits, forms of local, community or shared ownership, compensation, indirect benefits and market gains, and fiscal and regulatory measures.

Findings from the paper will now be taken forward to talks with energy developers and into the redraft of the Shetland Energy Strategy. A summit involving key players will also be planned for next year.

Chair of the task force, Neil McInroy, says: "The context of renewable energy development is fast moving, with huge opportunities and challenges, involving many local, national and global players and stakeholders. There is complexity. However, as our work progressed it became increasingly clear that Shetland must work with a focused set of intentions, and boldly assert its own position in relation to these developments. The goal of a fair share for Shetland is and must be the guiding star."

Councillor Dennis Leask is Chair of the Council's Development Committee: "This document represents a huge amount of work over a short period of time, and lays the groundwork for our negotiations with energy developers. For the first time it sets out a clear menu of options on what Shetland expects from a fair share.

"The task force has worked really well and I am grateful to the contributions from all participants. This is a document for all of Shetland and it was really important that we got those people with local industry expertise into a room to work together to produce it and stand behind the statements we're making.

"This document gives more clarity on what we all see as the way forward, and will be central to our discussions as we look to Shetland's future."

Published: 11th December 2024