WIREDGOV

Concerns over UK Government subsidies decision.

130 businesses and communities affected by the UK Government’s decision to close the Renewables Obligation for onshore wind met with Scottish Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing, yesterday. 

The meeting, which was held in Glasgow, provided the opportunity for the sector to voice their concerns on the impact the decision will have on both projects and the supply chain in Scotland.

The UK Government’s recent decision was met with outcry by the Scottish industry who claimed it ‘could cost £3 billion investment in Scotland’ while the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (Scotland) said this decision ‘puts as many as 3,000 full-time jobs at risk, particularly in remote areas where alternative employment is hard to find.’

Speaking before the meeting Mr Ewing said yesterday:

“We fundamentally disagree with the UK Government’s decision to prematurely end support under the Renewables Obligation for the onshore wind sector and today’s meeting is an opportunity to hear about the impact this will have. This is exactly the sort of meeting the UK Government should have held before making their announcement which ignored the concerns of many businesses, organisations and communities across Scotland. 

“There are many communities and companies who have invested significant amounts of money in renewables schemes and have now found the goal posts have been move, putting crucial investment and jobs at risk.

“I am keen to listen to their concerns, understand the impact and continue to work together in making representations to the UK Government.”

Patricia Hawthorn, Chairman of industry body Scottish Renewables, who opened the event in Glasgow with Mr Ewing, said:

“We welcome the opportunity for our onshore wind industry members to engage with the Scottish Government in seeking constructive solutions to this very serious issue.”