Arven Offshore Wind Farm was pleased to welcome a delegation from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), GB Energy, and Crown Estate Scotland to Shetland in early May. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to explore Shetland’s evolving role in the UK’s clean energy landscape and to extend the constructive dialogue we have with local partners.

Over three days, the delegation visited a range of local infrastructure locations, businesses, and organisations – gaining a deeper understanding of how Shetland’s unique geography, maritime heritage and energy assets might contribute to future offshore wind development.

Port facilities and infrastructure

The visit began at Lerwick Port Authority, where the visitors received an overview of how Shetland’s main port is investing and adapting to serve both existing industries and emerging opportunities in renewable energy.

As part of Arven Offshore Wind Farm’s early-stage work, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the port to explore how it could support offshore wind activity in the coming years. Discussions focused on potential alignment between local capability and future infrastructure requirements.

Onshore wind and future grid connections

The second day of the visit included a tour of the Viking Wind Farm, one of the UK’s largest onshore wind projects, hosted by SSE Renewables. With turbines now generating power, the site demonstrates how Shetland’s wind resource is already contributing to national net zero goals.

The delegation also gained a fuller understanding of the existing HVDC1 and proposed HVDC2 subsea connections. These links will play a key role in enabling Shetland to export renewable electricity, while also shaping how offshore wind can be integrated into the wider UK system. A supply agreement for the Shetland HVDC2 connection is also pivotal in helping to commercially underpin Sumitomo’s new cable manufacturing facility at the Port of Nigg which is currently under construction.

Early stage planning for Arven Offshore Wind Farm

The group visited parts of north Mainland Shetland to view onshore locations under consideration for infrastructure associated with the proposed Arven Offshore Wind Farm, including prospective cable landing points and substation sites.

These early explorations are part of a longer-term process involving technical assessment, landowner engagement, stakeholder input and careful consideration of local context.

Local engagement and economic opportunities

A key element of the visit was time spent in Lerwick, where the delegation joined roundtable discussions with Shetland Islands Council, UHI Shetland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and a number of local businesses. The conversations focused on Shetland’s skills, services and infrastructure and how these might support offshore wind in a way that brings long-term economic benefit.

From vessel operators and fabricators to training providers and engineers, Shetland’s experience and capacity across the maritime sector were central to the discussions.

Collaboration for a sustainable future

The visit concluded with a broader tour of Shetland, providing a chance to reflect on the islands’ character, history and relevance to energy development – both practically and socially.

“We appreciate the time the visitors took to visit Shetland and to better understand the local context,” said Ewan Walker, Project Director at Arven Offshore Wind Farm.

“This visit was a welcome opportunity to listen, share information and explore how future offshore wind development can align with Shetland’s strengths and priorities. It’s clear that a collaborative, thoughtful approach will be key as we look ahead.”