Letters / Well done Viking Energy
I would like to pass on my congratulations to those involved with the Viking Energy project, for sticking to their guns against the opposition they have faced during the past few years.
A quote from Robert Jarvik, scientist, doctor, entrepreneur and inventor of the artificial heart springs to mind: “Leaders are visionaries with a poorly developed sense of fear and no concept of the odds against them.”
This is true of the Shetlanders who have pioneered a better life for the whole community, those who drafted the agreement to secure an oil industry hub at Sullom Voe, those who have driven other industries to provide secure jobs which do not depend on seasonal tourism.
If it were not for the vision and drive of Shetland’s leaders in days gone by, the islands would not enjoy the quality of life, standard of healthcare and education, sports facilities and general prosperity which they enjoy today. If previous generations had turned back due to the risks involved with our current industries (oil, aquaculture, fishing, etc) Shetland would not be the place it is today.
No reward comes without risk, and no growth will occur in any economy without vision and a commitment to see that vision become a reality.
Well done to all those who have worked tirelessly to take the VE project one step closer. Shetland is now on the verge of being a key player in the renewables industry. This project will not stand alone but will almost certainly be followed by other renewables projects in years to come, the first of which appears to be Aegir’s plan to site a wave power generation system at the South West Mainland.
Although there are legitimate concerns about the Viking Energy project, many of the variables are not in doubt, i.e. wind turbine technology is established and advanced, power transmission technology is also highly efficient compared to days gone by, and Shetland’s wind resource is one of the best in the world.
Concerns of all the consultees have been taken into account, many turbines have been relocated or removed altogether in the worst affected areas. The project has followed the necessary procedures, and has gained the necessary approvals to proceed to sanction.
In years to come, when the community benefits of this project become a reality, all Shetlanders (and young Shetlanders especially) should remember the lesson learnt here: to be risk averse is always the safe option, but real leadership is not always about playing things safe.
Another quote, this time from Frederick Wilcox: “Progress always involves risk; you can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first base.”
For Shetland’s economy to grow and diversify, we need more visionary leaders, and should definitely not look to play it safe and live off the funds given to us by people of previous generations.
Well done to all involved, your vision and hard work will benefit the future generations of Shetland.
Kind regards,
Matthew Laurenson
Aberdeen,
formerly Hamnavoe, Burra
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