The Scottish Energy Minister flew the flag for more and bigger wave, wind and tidal energy developments in Scotland at a UK industry conference in Manchester yesterday. But in a blunt message, Paul Wheelhouse also told the renewable energy industries that they must continue to cut costs in order to keep consumer energy bills as low as possible – which is also a key Tory Government energy policy. He said: “Looking ahead to the future for the offshore wind industry, we now know that the UK Government has confirmed there will be three Contracts for Difference auctions held by 2020. “They have announced a budget of up to £730 million for up to 4 gigawatts of offshore wind and other, less established renewables, for projects commissioning from 2021 to 2026. “But the UK Government has also said that the funding is not unconditional. “Ongoing Govt support is subject to cost reduction targets being met – initially capped at £105 per megawatt hour falling to £85 per megawatt hour for projects commissioning by 2026. “The Scottish Government recognises the need to achieve renewables targets at lowest costs and to protect consumers – and we acknowledge – and share – the UK Government’s aspiration to this end.”
Scottish Energy News 24th June 2016 read more »