A bold new idea for heating homes in Brae is gathering momentum, and locals are being warmly invited to get involved.
On Tuesday 10 June, Shetland Islands Council and energy consultants COWI will host a drop-in event at Brae Hall, opening the floor to the community from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.
The meeting marks the start of a feasibility study into a potential district heating network that could serve homes, businesses and community buildings in Brae, including the leisure centre and Brae High School.
Backed by funding from Innovate UK, the UK Government’s innovation agency, the study will explore whether this more environmentally friendly system is not only possible, but practical for the area.
The ambition is to create a network that offers greener energy and lower heating bills by linking properties through a shared system, potentially powered by renewable sources like a dedicated wind turbine.
While the project is still in its early stages, this first conversation with the community is seen as a vital step in shaping what could be a game-changing development for Brae.
Jeppe K. Skjølstrup, Project Manager with COWI, is keen to hear directly from locals.
“The Brae district heating scheme is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how energy can be harnessed more effectively to deliver real benefits at a community level,” he said.
“Although concepts are still at the early stages, we’re keen to hear what local people think.
“Lerwick already has a well-established district heating network and the system in central Brae would work in a similar way.”
Claire Ferguson, who leads the Council’s Climate Change Strategy Team, agrees that local input will help guide next steps.
“We are at the very beginning of exploring the possibility of a district heating system in Brae,” she said.
“If there is interest and the scheme is viable, plans would still need to be developed, and that could be several years.
“This is the chance for people to have a say right at the start of the process.”
Those attending the event will be able to view early ideas, ask questions and share their thoughts with the team behind the study.
For residents interested in how their energy future could look, this is a rare opportunity to shape the plans from day one.
