Energy / Participants sought for new energy perception research project
ISLANDERS are being invited to participate in a research project on perceptions of current and future energy developments in Shetland.
The project, led by the University of Bath, is looking for 60 participants willing to engage in a number of workshops with the research team.
The first two workshop, for which 15 participants each are needed, will take place on 2 and 3 April at the Islesburgh Community Centre starting at 2pm.
A second workshop, requiring a further 30 participants, is likely to take place in July or August.
The research is part of a case study on perceptions on new energy, including the role of hydrogen and ammonia as fuels and storage solutions.
It comes at a time of massive changes to the local energy infrastructure, with both Norwegian state-owned energy giant Statkraft and EnQuest’s subsidiary Veri planning hydrogen projects in the north mainland.
Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (ESPRC), the research project brings together researchers from Bath, Cardiff and Strathclyde universities.
The project’s coordinator Usman Siddiqi, of the department of psychology at the University of Bath, said with years of experience in hosting energy projects islanders are “uniquely placed” to shape the conversation – how future energy should be developed, who should benefit, and how the land and sea should be managed.
“Shetland’s remote location presents both opportunities and challenges,” he said.
“While the islands are rich in wind and marine energy potential, delivering that power to other areas requires massive infrastructure investments – transmission lines, subsea cables, and new energy vectors and storage solutions like hydrogen and ammonia.
“This context provides an opportunity to explore the human dimensions of whole energy system challenges – how communities engage with and are affected by energy transitions, the socio-economic implications of large-scale infrastructure projects, and the governance and policy considerations necessary for integrating Shetland’s renewable resources into broader energy networks.
“Understanding these aspects can offer valuable insights into public acceptance, equity, and the resilience of energy systems beyond just production.”
He added: “One key issue here is fairness: Should Shetland, as an energy powerhouse, see greater benefits from these projects?
“How should these benefits be shared – through better schools, healthcare, infrastructure, or direct community investments? And what level of development is acceptable to residents?
“How much say should local communities have in decision-making? Who do Shetlanders trust to represent them in these discussions, and what information do they need to feel confident about new developments?
“With hydrogen and ammonia emerging as key players in future energy storage, we also want to explore Shetlanders’ perspectives on these technologies – their potential benefits, risks, and long-term impact on the community.”
Siddiqi added that understanding Shetlanders’ visions for the future of their communities as the islands transition away from oil and gas infrastructure was at the core of the research.
“Shetland has the knowledge and experience to lead Scotland’s transition to cleaner energy. However, for this transition to be fair and successful, local voices must be heard. Our workshops aim to do that,” he said.
People can express their interest in signing up to the workshop here.
Places are limited and participants will be selected to ensure a diverse representation. Those participating will receive a £60 honorarium for their time and contribution. Further information is available from Usman Siddiqi at muas21@bath.ac.uk
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