For Scotland to be able to benefit from harnessing the marine energy off its coast, independence is the answer, according to First Minister Alex Salmond.
The key issue lies in the fact that the Crown Estate Commissioners manage Scotland’s seabed out to 12 nautical miles, as well as almost half of its foreshore, while the revenues are going to the UK Treasury, writes the Herald Scotland.
Salmond said: “This prevents Scotland taking an integrated approach to how it manages its marine resources. The licences – and revenues – of much of our offshore energy are therefore in the hands of unelected commissioners, with revenues going to the UK Treasury.”
“Transferring control of Scotland’s seabed to Scotland is a key ingredient in delivering the full benefits of the offshore renewable energy revolution for Scotland, and ensuring that the benefits are shared widely across our communities.”
As explained by the First Minister independence would pave the way for utilization of revenues more wisely in the following four decades, as well as herald the start for harnessing Scotland’s second, renewable, energy windfall.
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Offshore WIND staff, July 17, 2013; Image: scotland