Senior figures from Great British Energy are currently in Shetland until 22 October to meet island leaders, businesses and community groups, and to hear first-hand about local energy opportunities and challenges.

The delegation, headed by CEO Dan McGrail and Chair Juergen Maier, will focus on community ownership, locally led energy systems, workforce transition and ensuring island communities share in the gains from renewable power. The visit will also examine issues such as grid connectivity and energy affordability, while exploring potential areas for collaboration.

Planned engagements include trips to Garth Wind Farm on Yell, Viking Wind Farm at Catfirth and the Brae Rural Energy Hub; a visit to Sullom Voe Terminal; and a meeting with Shetland Islands Council to discuss the islands’ energy landscape and community power.

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CEO of Great British Energy Dan McGrail said: "Shetland has played a role in the UK’s energy story for decades and has the skills, infrastructure, natural resources and community ambition to remain at its heart in the future.

"This visit is about listening to the people who understand Shetland best. We're particularly interested in understanding how communities can benefit from the energy they help produce, how local energy solutions can be scaled up, and how we can support a transition that creates opportunities while building on the incredible skills that already exist here.

"Great British Energy is for every part of the country. By spending time in Shetland, seeing projects firsthand and understanding both opportunities and challenges, we'll gain valuable insights that will help shape how we work with communities and partners across the UK."

Chair of Great British Energy Juergen Maier said: "Shetland is a powerful example of how Britain can turn its clean energy potential into lasting industrial strength, combining exceptional natural resources with deep engineering expertise, significant infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce.

"But the opportunity is not simply to generate more clean power. It is to use that power to support new industries, strengthen domestic supply chains and create good, skilled jobs, while ensuring communities share in the benefits.

"Shetland already has strong foundations. By building on its existing capabilities, the islands can help show how the energy transition delivers real economic value for local people and the wider country."