Written by Louise Glen
Campaigners on Shetland say there are still “hurdles” to overcome before a
transmission link to the mainland becomes a reality.
And Frank Hay, the chairman of Sustainable Shetland said the project may
not happen at all.
The Viking Wind Farm is a joint venture of the Shetland community and SSE.
The project was approved by Scottish ministers in April 2012, but the
decision was challenged in the courts by the campaigners.
That failed and consent was reaffirmed in 2015.
The wind farm will site 103 turbines on the central Mainland of Shetland.
Mr Hay said: “We will be responding to the consultation outlining again our
concerns about the Viking project.
“Whether or not developing a project like this so far away from consumer
demand can represent value for money for consumers has yet to be fully
considered.
“That the Viking project has come this far is a travesty of justice when so
many local people are opposed to it.”
But Viking Energy Shetland head of development, Aaron Priest, said: “We are
delighted to see the transmission connection project taking this big step
forward.
“Shetland is one of the last parts of the country not connected to the GB
electricity grid.
“It is important to rectify this, not only as it will allow Shetland to
fully harness renewable energy for the islands and elsewhere, but secure a
wealth of long-term socio-economic benefits.
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