Replacement power station plans to go on display

Detailed proposals for developing a new power station north of Lerwick will go on display at the Shetland Museum.

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) is inviting the public to view the plans for the site, near Rova Head. Visitors will be asked for their views on the proposed development as well as wider plans that detail how electricity could be supplied in future.

The proposed replacement for the aging Lerwick Power Station forms part of a wider plan to meet Shetland’s electricity needs which will be submitted to the energy regulator Ofgem this summer. An application will also be submitted to the Scottish government for planning consent to build the new station.

Since consultation took place last year, detailed environmental studies have been carried out to understand the potential impacts of the proposal. The findings will be presented at the event on 28th May, alongside more detailed designs for the power station itself.

Options to fuel the power station primarily with natural gas or with light fuel oil remain open.

Development manager for the replacement power station, Jim Lawrie, said: “Following the feedback which was received from the Shetland public and from other consultees last year, we have developed a detailed design for the proposed new power station and carried out a range of environmental studies.

“We are keen to present this work, to answer any questions and receive further feedback before we finalise our application for planning consent to build the new power station over the next couple of months.

“At the same time, our team will be seeking views on the wider plan for Shetland which is being prepared for submission to Ofgem this July. This includes the new power station, as well as the potential contribution from renewables and the progress of the Northern Isles New Energy Solutions (NINES) project.”

The drop-in event will be on Tuesday 28th May between 3pm and 7.30pm. Comments on both the proposed power station and the wider plan for Shetland’s electricity supply can be returned until Wednesday 19th June.