Western Isles renewable energy

Isles SNP MP Angus MacNeil will make a last ditch attempt to convince the UK Government to offer support to island renewable projects when he meets ministers this week.

Plans for Western Isles windfarms have stalled after UK energy minister, Greg Clark, scrapped subsides for land-based wind turbines.

Expectations the Western Isles would be an exception due to the islands offshore location were also dashed.

The final glimmer of hope for the Hebrides’ wind renewable industry is yet another consultation on whether onshore turbine projects on remote islands should be treated differently.

Otherwise, proposed windfarms on Lewis plus the planned Minch interconnector are unlikely to proceed.

Angus MacNeil is set to meet with ministers from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on Tuesday to give his input.

Mr MacNeil said: “Without support from the UK Government, island renewable projects are less viable and this may in turn threaten the viability of the interconnector project.

“This is not a one-way exchange, however, as a thriving island renewables sector would be a win-win for the government. Renewable energy from the Scottish Islands is cheaper than procuring it from offshore sources and with the islands being the best wind resource in Europe, tapping into its potential would greatly assist the Government in achieving its energy targets.”

He said the UK government’s decision in November not to allow island projects to bid for subsidies was ‘extremely disappointing’ especially as island based projects were already disadvantaged through crippling transmission charges.

“I hope the outcome of this consultation will however bring a brighter future for island renewables,” he said.

“I know that public agencies and community groups in the islands are responding to the consultation and I would urge any group or individual with an interest in this sector to make a submission.

“This may be the last chance to convince the UK Government.”

Mr MacNeil will discuss the situation with some community renewable representatives on Monday and will meet with BEIS ministers on Tuesday.

“Last ditch” attempt to persuade government over Western Isles renewable energy

15 January 2017

Isles SNP MP Angus MacNeil will make a last ditch attempt to convince the UK Government to offer support to island renewable projects when he meets ministers this week.

Plans for Western Isles windfarms have stalled after UK energy minister, Greg Clark, scrapped subsides for land-based wind turbines.

Expectations the Western Isles would be an exception due to the islands offshore location were also dashed.

The final glimmer of hope for the Hebrides’ wind renewable industry is yet another consultation on whether onshore turbine projects on remote islands should be treated differently.