Developers have submitted scoping papers to the Scottish Government for a proposed 50 MW wind and battery storage energy park near one of Europe’s largest oil terminals. Neshion Ltd, a local joint venture, is advancing plans for the energy park, which would be situated east of the Sullom Voe Oil Terminal and the Shetland Gas Plant in the northern part of Shetland.
The development, led by Shetland Aerogenerators on behalf of Neshion Ltd, includes the installation of up to 10 wind turbines, a battery energy storage system (BESS), access tracks, and additional energy infrastructure. Given the estimated generating capacity of over 50 MW, the developers have submitted a scoping report to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU), which will help inform the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The construction of the Neshion Energy Park (NEP) is expected to begin before 2030, contingent on receiving consent and the availability of appropriate technology. The estimated build time for the project is between 24 and 36 months.
Lauren Anderson, project manager at Shetland Aerogenerators and community engagement lead for NEP, highlighted the importance of local involvement, stating, “As a Shetland-based venture, we are keen to engage with the local community. Our event on 27 March will allow people to find out more about our plans and to share their views on how the development can best contribute to community priorities through community benefit schemes and the potential for shared ownership.”
David Thomson, chief executive of Shetland Aerogenerators and director of Neshion Ltd, described the submission of the scoping report as a key milestone for the project. “As we prepare to submit a full planning application, we are also exploring how this project can help deliver Shetland’s ambitions to secure a fair share from clean energy development,” Thomson said. “Neshion Energy Park is being developed in Shetland, by Shetland, and for Shetland. As a local company, we intend to deliver what has been discussed recently around community participation.”
A public engagement event will take place at Mossbank Public Hall on 27 March from 2 pm to 7 pm, offering local residents the opportunity to learn more about the project and provide feedback. The proposed development aims to contribute to Shetland’s clean energy future while addressing local community priorities.
