Sullom Voe Development Framework

Share your ideas and help guide the future of the area

About the framework

Several energy developments, including renewable source generation, electricity transmission and green hydrogen production, are currently proposed for the area around the north mainland of Shetland. These projects are potentially complementary and are being developed over a similar timeframe.

A group of developers and other organisations are in the process of preparing a development framework which will:

• Set out a shared vision and principles to guide development across the area
• Take a strategic approach to ensure that benefits for local communities, the economy and the environment are maximised
• Help minimise negative impacts

Themes

The framework will be structured around 7 themes and we want your views on what could be delivered for each one. They are:

• Theme: Coordinated delivery of a just energy transition in Shetland, focusing on development in the Sullom Voe Development Framework area
• Theme: Local economy, supply chain and skills development
• Theme: Enabling infrastructure, transport and access
• Theme: Climate change resilience
• Theme: Biodiversity, habitat restoration, enhancement and connectivity
• Theme: Outdoor access, recreation and tourism
• Theme: Natural and cultural heritage

Further information on each of the themes is provided below.

How you can help

We are at the early stages of preparing the framework. We are consulting with local communities, stakeholders and young people to build our understanding of the area, hear about local challenges and opportunities and gather ideas that can help to share the framework.

We are inviting you to share your ideas and inform what the framework will achieve. Your input will help us to identify opportunities and ensure the framework leads to real benefits for you and your community.

There are two ways you can leave feedback. Firstly, please click the link below to take you to a survey. You can also leave locationally specific comments on the interactive map.

Your feedback will feed directly into the framework which will be published for further consultation early in 2027.

The themes – further information

Theme – Coordinated delivery of a just energy transition in Shetland, focusing on development in the Sullom Voe Development Framework area

This theme aims to ensure that the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy will result in fair benefits for the local community. Possible opportunities include helping organisations move from oil and gas to renewables and low-carbon fuels; reducing adverse impacts on the environment; and maintaining and growing Shetland’s skilled workforce and its local economy.

Theme – Local economy, supply chain and skills development

This theme aims to ensure that renewable energy and low-carbon projects will support local jobs, skills and training. Possible opportunities include supporting local employment as projects evolve; developing resilient supply chains which maximise community wealth; and delivering training and skills development in the emerging energy sector.

Theme – Enabling infrastructure, transport and access

This theme aims to improve critical infrastructure and enhance local connectivity and accessibility. Possible opportunities include supporting upgrades to transport, energy and utilities infrastructure; developing efficient access routes for project sites; and identifying gaps in public transport and active travel networks.

Theme – Climate change resilience

This theme seeks to improve local resilience to the adverse effects of climate change. Possible opportunities include reducing the impacts of extreme weather events (such as heavy rainfall and storms); protecting and restoring peatland; strengthening climate adaptation and mitigation measures; and promoting a nature-based approach to issues such as carbon capture, flood resistance, coastal erosion and habitat connectivity.

Theme – Biodiversity, habitat restoration, enhancement and connectivity

This theme aims to restore, conserve and enhance local biodiversity and habitats. Possible opportunities include protecting designated species (particularly those which are sensitive to coastal disturbance); supporting the recovery and regeneration of key habitats; and strengthening conservation measures for species of unique ecological importance, such as birds.

Theme – Outdoor access, recreation and tourism

This theme seeks to support outdoor recreation, tourist activities and services, and access to nature. Possible opportunities include support for low-impact activities in coastal and marine areas, such as wildlife watching and kayaking; and improving tourist access points, paths and facilities on inland routes.

Theme – Natural and cultural heritage

This theme aims to protect and enhance landscapes and seascapes which have value to natural and cultural heritage. Potential opportunities including conserving and restoring historic places; promoting education and public awareness of the local historic environment; and developing our understanding of historic settings, such as key coastal views and environmental risks to heritage assets.