Inaugural future energy projects engagement session to take place in Lerwick

Engaging with stakeholders

The Shetland Islands’ first ever collaborative future energy projects engagement session – open to all members of the public – will be held in Lerwick next month, bringing together developers, network operators, and the local community for open discussions about the islands’ energy future.

The event, coordinated by SSEN Transmission, follows feedback from communities and stakeholders calling for a more joined-up approach to how Shetland’s energy landscape could develop in the years ahead. Stakeholders asked for more information not just on SSEN Transmission’s proposed infrastructure, but also on the plans of other developers, so that they could form a fuller picture of what future projects might mean for the islands.

Taking place at Mareel, Lerwick, on Tuesday 9 September between 3pm and 7pm, the session will feature representatives from SSEN Transmission, SSEN Distribution, Statkraft, Veri Energy, and Stoura.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Hear high-level overviews of proposed projects across Shetland, ahead of more detailed public consultations later this year.
  • Speak directly with project teams and ask questions about their plans. 
  • Share feedback that will help shape how projects are developed and delivered. 
  • Find out about upcoming engagement sessions for individual projects. 

By creating a shared forum, the session aims to help local people better understand how different proposals fit together, while giving developers and network operators clearer insight into community priorities and concerns.

Alan Kelly, Lead Project Manager at SSEN Transmission, said:
"As a stakeholder-led business, the feedback we receive is crucial in shaping how we deliver our work – and one thing that was consistently heard was that the people of Shetland wanted a clearer picture of both our own proposed projects and the wider development plans for Shetland, and this session is designed to provide exactly that.

“Ongoing engagement with local communities is crucial and we will always work to address local concerns and suggestions, wherever we can. We would encourage everyone to come along, hear about the proposals, and share their views."

Douglas Irvine, Shetland Islands Council’s Executive Manager – Future Energy, said:
“I am very pleased that energy developers and SSEN Transmission are working together on this public engagement event. The Council has asked for more collaboration on public engagement as these multiple projects are being planned. It is far more useful to see the fuller energy development picture being presented in one room so that people can get a better understanding of the interaction between projects and the connecting infrastructure.”

The event is free to attend and open to everyone. No registration is required – attendees are welcome to drop in at any point between 3pm and 7pm.