Scotland's Economy

World leader in offshore renewables

June 12, 2014 by Fergus Ewing MSP No Comments | Category Energy

Scotland has the potential to be a world leader in all stages of offshore renewable energy – from technological development to manufacturing, to the generation of electricity.

That potential will only be fully realised across the country – and making sure that the benefits are spread across Scotland is an important aim of ours.

Progress has taken place against a turbulent backdrop, of course. Reforms to the electricity market are now nearing their conclusion. The aim has been that these should provide a framework for investment in renewables and other low carbon generation over the next decade and beyond.

We have worked hard to influence these reforms, and made some progress – most notably, in the form of a higher strike price for wind generation on Scotland’s islands. But of course we have reservations, which we have made public. The greatest of these relate to security of supply and support for nuclear power.

The UK’s binding renewable energy targets will not be met without Scotland’s continued and disproportionate contribution. That is beyond any reasonable argument, and is why these reforms are so important. If they are found wanting, then there must be a willingness to address any failures quickly and decisively.

Independence offers the opportunity for these advantages to be used to best effect to help Scotland reach its full potential, to offer Scotland greater choices and chances to strengthen its diverse economy, and to give the people who care most about Scotland’s energy the chance to fully determine its future.

Tags: offshore, renewables

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