Letters / Two principle concerns
I have been following the development of Viking Energy since it first started but unlike many of its fervent supporters and detractors have been unable to come to a clear decision as to whether or not it will ultimately be to the benefit of Shetland.
I agree wholeheartedly that Shetland needs all the employment it can get and also requires dependable, balanced, ethical sources of income if we are all to continue to enjoy anywhere near the standard of living to which most of us have become accustomed over the last 20-30 years.
My reluctance to accept that Viking is the answer to these problems is based on the very many unanswered questions surrounding the project, all of which have been well aired elsewhere.
I have two principal concerns. Firstly, how can anyone have confidence that the present subsidy to onshore wind generation will continue at its present level? The subsidy to solar generation has recently been cut dramatically and it appears that there will be a need to increase the subsidy to offshore wind, tide and wave generation. Any reduction in subsidy to onshore wind will come straight off the profits projected by Viking.
Secondly, how much more of Shetland’s funds will be ploughed into this before there is a guarantee that the interconnector will be provided?
My reason for voicing these concerns now is the announcement that another attempt is to be made on Monday to discuss the investment of a further £6.3m in the wind farm – three days before up to 19 of the present trustees could cease to hold their positions.
Chairman Bill Manson is quoted in your article as stating that the trustees “feel the decision is such an important one it needs to be discussed.” Unquestionably the decision is an important one, perhaps one of the most important many of these trustees will make, but surely it could have been delayed until after the election and the subsequent appointment of trustees who have a mandate both to make that decision and to take any further action which follows from the decision?
Become a supporter of Shetland News
It appears that the other partners in Viking are not putting pressure on for a decision to be made, so why the need to proceed with this eleventh hour attempt to release funds from the trust?
Finally, I think the electorate deserve to know which trustees requisitioned this meeting.
Stephen Johnston
Lerwick
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.