Learn About Shetland
Renewable Energy
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The PURE energy project in Unst has pioneered the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Shetland is one of the most promising locations in the world for the development of renewable energy. Winds and tides offer the opportunity to generate very large amounts of electricity, far more than the islands alone could ever use. At the moment, though, there is no electrical connection between Shetland and the UK mainland, which means that most of Shetland’s electricity has to be generated in Lerwick by a diesel power station. However, some electricity – sometimes up to about 20% of demand – is generated either by the five turbines at the small Burradale wind farm just west of Lerwick or by those that increasingly provide power to community halls and some houses.
There are plans for a very large wind farm, which would be built in the north of Shetland’s central mainland, the preferred area for this type of development in the islands. It would generate up to 600mW of power – about the same as some nuclear power stations – that would be exported via a sub-sea cable to the UK mainland. About 170 large turbines would be needed. The project is a partnership between Scottish and Southern Energy and the Shetland Charitable Trust, which would share the profits.
There is considerable interest in other aspects of renewables in Shetland.
The PURE project, on the island of Unst, has carried out research on the use
of wind power to create hydrogen. Also on Unst, a zero carbon house has been
built and other examples of self-sufficient housing are under consideration.
Wave and tidal developments may follow in the next few years. All of this activity
is supported by a number of qualified people and specialist firms based in Shetland.
More In This Section…
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Oil Industry
Despite the notable influence that it’s had on Shetland’s economy, the physical impact of the oil industry is very limited. Read more
Food and Drink
Keen cooks know that the Shetland larder is particularly well-stocked. Read more
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Creative Industries
Shetland has always been a creative community, with a particularly strong textile heritage. Read more
Tourism in Shetland
More people than ever before are sampling Shetland, but the islands are unlikely to become a mass-market destination. Read more
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Public Sector
For its size, Shetland has a large public sector, partly because the income from oil has allowed the provision of a high level of public services. Read more
Social Enterprise
There’s a long list of social enterprises in Shetland too, many coming under the umbrella of COPE. Read more
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