Voe Community Rejects Energy Expansion Plans Amid Concerns

Residents of Voe, a small village in Shetland, have voiced strong opposition to proposed energy developments, including new pylons and a substation. The local community, mobilized by the newly formed Voe Community Development Association, gathered to express their concerns about the impact of these projects on their lives. Councillors have acknowledged their limited power to influence these developments, particularly those driven by SSEN Transmission in support of large offshore wind farms.

The gathering on Thursday highlighted growing frustration among residents, with many feeling uninformed about the plans. Julia Odie stated, “Yes, it is late in the day, but some of us have been arguing this for years.” Sheena Cook, a local resident, emphasized the sudden disruption caused by road closures implemented by SSEN, stating, “Nobody knew that it was happening, not even the councillors.”

The information event, initially scheduled for early October, was postponed due to poor weather, allowing the community more time to organize. Cook remarked, “We have been kept in the dark about a lot of things and people are suddenly realizing what is going to happen here.” The gathering aimed to inform residents about the proposed developments and encourage them to share their concerns.

Many residents expressed worries about the widespread impact of the energy projects. John Goddard noted, “Sullom Voe was built in one place, but this is spread out; it is everywhere and will inconvenience everybody at some time and for a long time.” He called for more comprehensive community consultations regarding the proposed infrastructure.

The situation in Voe reflects a broader trend across the Highland and Islands, where rural communities are grappling with the implications of the green energy transition. Earlier this week, Andrea Manson, the Shetland Islands Council convener and councillor for the Shetland North ward, urged the council not to “roll over” and allow energy developers to dictate terms without community input.

During the event, Alan Kelly, lead project manager for SSEN Transmission, acknowledged the confusion surrounding the new substation’s location, which has been misleadingly named Kergord 2. He clarified that the actual site would be located south of Setter, off the B9071 road to Aith. The planned infrastructure includes two lines of 28-metre high pylons connecting the existing Kergord substation with the proposed site in Voe.

The most contentious aspect of the proposal involves a line of 38-metre high pylons that could run through the village to connect Kergord 2 with a new Northern Substation Hub in the North Mainland. Kelly indicated that if a significant number of residents formally object to the proposed routes, SSEN may seek additional funding from the regulator Ofgem to bury some of the lines underground.

“The project need has been confirmed,” Kelly explained. “We have an obligation to deliver something that is economic and efficient. By gathering the public’s outrage, we can take that feedback to justify why we need more money.” He emphasized that feedback received through official channels would be crucial in discussions with Ofgem.

Despite the community’s efforts to engage with SSEN, some local leaders remain skeptical about the likelihood of change. Councillor Andrew Hall suggested the need for a comprehensive impact assessment that encompasses all proposed projects in the North of Shetland, rather than fragmented assessments for individual developments. “We need one all-encompassing and comprehensive impact assessment,” he stated, expressing doubts about whether Ofgem and SSEN would alter their plans based on community objections.

The feedback period for the Shetland AC connection project remains open until January 8, 2026. Residents can direct their concerns to SSEN Transmission at their Lerwick office or via email. As the community of Voe continues to organize against these developments, they are determined to make their voices heard in the decision-making process that will shape their future.