Scotland urges UK Government to confirm wind support

Scotland has announced its support for onshore wind projects and has urged the UK Government to do the same. First Minister Alex Salmond sent a letter to the UK’s Energy […]

Scotland has announced its support for onshore wind projects and has urged the UK Government to do the same.

First Minister Alex Salmond sent a letter to the UK’s Energy Secretary Ed Davey and said the Scottish Government will provide support for onshore wind generation at a level of 0.9 of a ROC, rather than the Treasury’s proposed 25% cut in subsidies. He said the Scottish Government has seen no evidence to justify any further reduction than the 10% announced.

ROCs or Renewables Obligation Certificates are subsidies given to energy stations for the amount of renewable electricity they generate.

The news comes after DECC announced it is still finalising the proposals on financial support for the renewables industry as Ministers failed to come to an agreement.

Mr Salmond said: “The continuing uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the Renewables Obligation reviews upon which both Governments have consulted risks undermining significantly our ability to meet our shared renewable energy aims.

“DECC’s announcement to delay its ROC review decision has caused real anxiety to stakeholders and developers, especially in the light of recent press reports that the UK Government is considering even lower onshore wind support levels than the 10% reduction proposed in the consultation.

“This wholly unnecessary uncertainty is jeopardising future investment – the CBI spoke last Wednesday of millions of pounds of investment now at risk.”

Scotland’s onshore wind ROC band will come into effect from April next year.

Latest Podcast