News / Charging points
FIVE new charging points for electric vehicles are set to be installed in rural areas of Shetland thanks to a £72,000 grant from the Scottish Government.
The new points for electric and hybrid vehicles will be installed at the Belmont and Ulsta ferry terminals, Brae and Bixter health centres and potentially at a site in the south mainland.
In addition five existing power points in Lerwick – sited at car parks at North Ness, Grantfield, Clickimin, Lerwick Health Centre and Fort Road – are to be upgraded.
Shetland Islands Council could also attract up to £40,000 in grant funding to develop an electric vehicle car pool fleet. The money would allow it to rent up to three vehicles for a three year trial.
Both moves were unanimously approved at Monday afternoon’s environment and transport committee, whose chairman Michael Stout described it as a potentially “exciting development” for the islands.
A report to councillors highlighted that a network of charging points “could contribute a valuable means of balancing the electricity grid as it allows the storing of surplus energy to use as a transport power source at times of low consumer demand”.
Because of the way power is generated in Shetland, moving towards wider use of electric vehicles is not “economically or environmentally attractive” in the short term – but officials believe it is important for a network to exist to take advantage of national and international developments in the future.
The report added that the building of a more efficient power station at Rova Head would increase the carbon savings from using electric vehicles.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.