A further delay in providing much-needed clarity on support for renewables could “cause damage to Scotland’s offshore wind and islands renewable energy projects” according to Scotland’s Energy Minister Fergus Ewing.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has postponed announcements on Contracts for Difference until at least the autumn. DECC had previously committed to publishing information on the availability of support to the offshore wind industry and projects on the Scottish islands in July. These projects, which have the potential to bring huge benefits to Scottish industry and island communities in particular, can take many years to complete. That is why investors in these projects require certainty now for those projects that are expected to commission around the end of the decade, Scottish Government pointed out in a press release.
Mr Ewing said: “Today’s announcement will prolong uncertainty for the renewables industry in Scotland.
“The UK Government promised that they would end the lack of clarity about the future of renewables, that they would deliver a clear statement of policy towards 2030 and how they will maintain and achieve their climate targets. They have decided to delay the announcement which was promised for this month for an indefinite period, and I fear that that will directly affect jobs and investment Scotland. These would include not only jobs in the offshore wind sector itself but also in related sectors such as fabrication.
“There are also over three thousand jobs dependent on solar, these and thousands more in other types of low carbon renewable energy in Scotland are now under threat.
“The low carbon energy industry has made a lot of progress in reducing costs and is well on its way to doing without financial support but today’s announcements will slow the pace of cost reduction. While this industry is making good improvements the UK Government continues with its obsession on nuclear energy by building the world’s most expensive power station, at a cost to the taxpayer and bill payer of around forty five billion pounds.
“We have many consented offshore and island renewables projects, and people in our islands communities who have been promised clarity by the UK government this month will once again be left frustrated.
“Scotland is at the forefront of the renewables industry and this decision will once again have a damaging impact here and I am disappointed the UK Government have failed to properly consult with the Scottish Government on this issue.”
Image: Scottish Government