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Catch-22 situation over sub-sea cable   26/2/14

 

Isles MSP Alasdair Allan says the Western Isles renewable energy industry is trapped in a catch-22 situation.

 

The MSP criticised the present situation “where renewable power projects need to prove themselves before an interconnector is built, but can’t prove themselves without an interconnector.”

 

He believes this week’s sub-sea cable summit in Stornoway - organised by Scottish energy minister Fergus Ewing “significantly steps up the argument for putting that problem right.”

Mr Allan stressed the need to progress “this vital project for the islands’ economy.”

 

Mr Allan said: “The Scottish and UK Governments have worked constructively together to date to obtain a fairer “strike price” for island renewable energy, but now there is a need to get similar progress on getting connections built.

 

“The event in Stornoway allowed common cause to be made with the communities in Shetland and Orkney whose councils were also represented at the meeting.