Call for commitment to connect island windfarms 2

Call for commitment to connect island windfarms 26/3/14

Recent progress to connect wind and wave farms on the Scottish islands must be sustained, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing will tell Secretary of State for Energy Ed Davey at a meeting on Thursday.

Following on from last month’s summit of key stakeholders in Stornoway, Mr Ewing wants the Department of Energy to give prospective developers certainty on the level and availability of support – a key requirement for the development of vital network upgrades.

Fergus Ewing said: “It is clear both the Scottish Government and the UK Government want to see the islands achieve their massive renewable energy potential.

“More than a decade after attempts began to connect significant renewable energy projects on the Scottish Islands recent progress must be sustained to achieve a positive result.

“And while I welcome the enhanced support announced recently by the Secretary of State back in December, success will be judged solely on whether the long-awaited high voltage connections are finally realised.

“The DECC need to address the key remaining issues that stand in the way of progress.

“In order for these long-lead time projects to be developed, those involved need to know that the right level of support will be available when it is required. If Mr Davey can give these commitments, we will greatly increase our chances of success.”