Nordic Net Zero Islands

There is nothing I like more than the opportunity to have the time to think through new ideas or, even better, get a new perspective on something I am already aware of. The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub was invited to the two-day Net Zero Islands conference that was held on the 15th and 16th of May in Shetland.

The conference was put together by the Embassy of Iceland, Nordic Energy Research, the Scottish Government, and Shetland Islands Council. This first meeting focused on the islands aiming to become Net Zero in the Nordic area – that includes Scotland. There was the opportunity to look at current projects, potential green energy projects, challenges, and the people behind it all.

Islands are simple to spot– land surrounded by water. In Scotland, six islands were chosen last year that continue to receive specific support to become Carbon Neutral Islands by 2040 – five years ahead of the Scottish Government aims for the whole of Scotland. As part of one of the discussions, the development officers from Yell, Hoy, and Barra shared their experience of developing their Community Climate Action Plans. These plans are now being turned into projects to be taken forward by their communities.  

Some of the other discussions were quite technical, but there were two key statistics that caught my attention. Firstly, we heard about how Iceland (definitely an island) benefits greatly from geo-thermal energy that supports 90% of the population and their financial support systems for those not living in areas where it is accessible. Secondly, on the site visit to the Viking Energy project, we were told it is expected to be capable of generating 5 times the required energy for the whole of the Shetland Islands.  

Iceland has hot springs, Shetland is windy - work to your strengths! It’s a phrase I have heard a lot over the years, and for any that have met me, you’ll be aware I can talk to anyone about anything. I love having the time to blether through an idea and the conference let me talk to lots of people. There were so many interesting, supportive, and engaging people that were able to talk about an amazing range of subjects. Those subjects always came back to community and connections.

The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub is here to support communities across a wide and diverse area – not only the physical difference from Unst to Morvern, but the difference between Inverness and Inverarish. Everywhere has strengths – wind, tide, solar. There are also the issues – a grid connection, transport links, specific skills. What is it that could be done in your community?

We like to think we are the approachable option for communities that have an idea they’d like to investigate or skills that could be put to use for the benefit of the community. We know that communities can be the beating heart of the clean energy roll out. Who do you need to blether to that would make a difference?