Powering change in Shetland

The Brae Rural Energy Hub wouldn’t be possible without our project partners and the generous support and forward-thinking vision of our funders. Their belief in Shetland’s potential to pioneer low-carbon innovation has been instrumental in turning our ideas into a reality for the whole community.

Development of the Brae Rural Energy Hub

Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, has been the principal funder for the early development of the Hub, feasibility research, major capital works, and the range of services available.

The funding was provided between February 2024 to October 2025 through the Net Zero Living Programme - an ambitious, UK-wide initiative set up by Innovate UK to support communities in breaking down the practical barriers to decarbonisation and to fast-track progress towards net zero.

With this support from Innovate UK, project partners from Shetland and Orkney created the ‘Rural Energy Hubs project’ and within this was able to:

• Transform the Brae Youth and Community Centre into an exemplar low-carbon building through major retrofits, renewable energy systems, and the introduction of community-first services.
• Develop and deliver a model for rural decarbonisation, with a view to replicating similar Hubs across Shetland and beyond.
• Bring together experts, local government, and volunteers to ensure this project is shaped by the community, for the community.

You can find out more about the full timeline of this project here.

Operations of the Brae Rural Energy Hub

The element of running the Brae Rural Energy Hub with staff available to support the community with our services wouldn’t be possible without the backing of the Shetland Islands Council Coastal Communities Fund and the Viking Community Fund.

From October 2025, the Brae Rural Energy Hub is supported with funding by both these organisations. The Viking Community Fund provides £114,349 over a four-year period while the Coastal Communities Fund awarded £97,287 over a three-year period, both covering staffing and other related costs.

Their multi-year commitment (running to 2029) ensures that experienced advisors, friendly faces and daily services are available to everyone—helping residents reduce energy costs, explore new technologies, and take full advantage of our facilities.