Different options

One interesting thing that came out of Radio Shetland’s debate on the Viking Energy windfarm was that everyone (including Allan Wishart) agreed that new technology was moving at a very fast pace and that only 50 of the new improved turbines would be needed now to produce the same amount of electricity as Viking’s proposed 127. However, Viking Energy feels that it has to go ahead with the project as planned.

We have two massive energy producers in Shetland – the Sullom Voe Terminal and Total, both of which will have power stations. If these power stations could supply power to the Shetland grid we could buy time, five, 10 years, or whatever is needed until new technology has been approved, be it wind, wave or tidal. That way we don’t need to desecrate our isles with needless miles of roads and quarries and pump in millions of tonnes of concrete into our hills to build such an overscaled windfarm which will be totally outdated by the time it is built.

A few months ago a type of turbine was was featured in The Shetland Times, the Maglev, one of which can produce more power than the proposed windfarm. The Maglev could be stationed on Collafirth Hill, Mossy Hill or Saxa Vord or on all three where roads and concrete are already in place. Wave and tidal prototypes are being tested in Orkney. These may be the preferred option.

I, personally, would like to think that we could have causeways connecting islands to the mainland with turbines incorporated in them, utilising tidal power.

If you agree that the Viking Energy windfarm should be put on hold until technology has a chance to develop please fill in the form in The Shetland Times dated 29th October and object. Shetland is unique as rated by The Lonely Planet but it won’t be if it becomes an industrial site. Where would you rather live?

Alice Ratter
Brae.