Section 12 - Conclusions
The Shetland Energy Strategy contains information on the different components of energy transition relevant to Shetland. It describes the current energy situation, predicting what is likely to happen through energy transition and the actions that need to be taken to secure our energy future.
The need for a Just Transition is recognised nationally and internationally, but can only be achieved through high levels of local engagement, collaboration and cooperation. Energy transition is inevitable and the process has already started. We know from past transitions that where change has been abrupt and unmanaged communities take decades to recover. It is therefore essential that we put a plan in place.
The Shetland Energy Strategy has three purposes, to:
- provide information and awareness on how Energy Transition will impact Shetland,
- act as a blueprint for developers, funders, and decision takers to consult
- hold accountable key partners that will drive implementation of actions
Delivering on the four long term outcomes
Reduce emissions – work on this has been initiated through the Shetland Net Zero Route Map which provides an overview of the magnitude of the challenge ahead and the level of action required to meet the target of net zero by 2045.
Further action to:
- Support and encourage a diverse energy ecosystem for Shetland, which incorporates the whole energy system. Including: generation and use along with the associated and enabling infrastructure. Using the Energy Development Principles as the basis for negotiation to ensure a Shetland approach, which recognises our legitimate interests and concerns.
- Explore the opportunities and capacity for renewable energy generation across different technologies in Shetland, including community based projects.
- Communicate the need for action across a range of fronts including: behaviour change, customer expectation and empowerment to maximise carbon saving opportunities.
Secure affordable energy – work on this has been initiated through the Energising Shetland campaign. However the route to affordable is complex with various technical and regulatory challenges.
Further action to:
- Further develop and deliver the agreed Council Programme on affordable energy.
- Understand the barriers to smart meter deployment and find a Shetland based solution.
- Engage further with the UK Governments ongoing consultation on REMA (Review of electricity market arrangements).
Create & retain local wealth – Work has been initiated on the Energy Development Principles, which were approved by Council in December 2022. These are now being developed into guidelines with strategic oversight provided by the 4Shetland Forum.
Further action to:
- Use the Energy Development Principles as the basis for discussion on Local supply chain integration, Sectoral co-existence and benefits to the Shetland community.
- Support the decarbonisation of industry to ensure that our existing industries remain competitive.
- Use the governance structures and action planning toolbox, as a mechanism to speed up the process of identifying consortia for funding bids.
Skills and capacity development– The Shetland Green Skills group led by UHI Shetland has already been established, with a wide terms of reference to support the skills pipeline for green skills development in Shetland. Further work is required to ensure alignment on capacity development.
Further action to:
- Further understand and refine the pipeline of upcoming projects, as we will require our own roadmap for the transition of jobs in Shetland.
- Support engagement in energy throughout the community, including outreach projects and contextual learning.
- Learn from others and collaborate, we don’t have the resource or capacity to do everything ourselves.
- Be empowered by the community and ensure we develop a Shetland approach to our energy transition challenges and opportunities, which recognise our legitimate interests and concerns.
Wider actions
To be undertaken as part of the consultation process:
- The development of an action planning toolkit to support organisations to develop their own Energy Strategy and Action Plan in alignment with the Shetland Energy Strategy.
- Development of a clear governance structure for energy transition in Shetland. With clear alignment to the Shetland Partnership’s 5 work packages, described earlier.
Good communication is key to enabling engagement and collaborative action on energy transition.
The “We will” statements identified are as follows:
- We will set clear communication objectives.
- We will use the governance structures as a mechanism to strengthen and streamline the network of stakeholder working groups.
- We will engage with stakeholders to share the narrative.
Energy Transition will impact everyone and we must ensure no one is left behind.
If you have any comments or feedback then please be sure to complete the Shetland Energy Strategy Consultation Survey.