Despite successfully expanding renewable energy capacity, Scotland’s renewable energy sector is in a “state of flux”, with policy amendments to the Renewables Obligation (RO), Feed in-tariffs (FiT) and Contract for Difference (CfD) auctions all contributing to an uncertain future. That is the view of the Scottish Affairs Committee, which published a report today (25 July) reviewing the political support for renewable energy in Scotland. The report found that a lack of communication between the UK and Scottish Governments with industry organisations and experts is threatening prospects for further growth in the country’s otherwise impressive renewables sector.
Edie 25th July 2016 read more »
The Scottish Affairs Committee publishes a report into the renewable energy sector in Scotland. The report highlights the great successes that have been made in expanding renewable energy capacity in Scotland. However, the Committee warns that recent changes in Government policy have created uncertainty that could threaten the industry’s prospects for further growth.
Parliament 25th July 2016 read more »
The chief executive of one of the key supply-chain sectors to Scotland’s renewable energy industry has warned that up to 1,000 new jobs may be at risk unless the UK government ‘reviews’ its decision to axe onshore subsidies to new wind farm developments. Yesterday, a report by the MPs on the House of Commons’ Scottish Affairs Committee on the renewable energy sector in Scotland warned that recent changes in UK Government policy have created uncertainty that threatens the industry’s prospects for future growth. The report recommends that the UK Government should review its decision to bar onshore wind schemes from accessing subsidies, end uncertainty for the sector, and set out its view on whether a ‘market stabilisation’ mechanism for onshore wind could be introduced.
Scottish Energy News 26th July 2016 read more »
The removal of subsidies has damaged confidence and threatens the prospects of the renewable energy industry in Scotland, claim MPs. Several areas of funding support for a range of technologies including onshore wind and solar panels have been withdrawn or have changed in recent months. Scottish Renewables, the industry body, has already suggested that the changes to onshore wind support has put 5,400 jobs at risk and could result in £3 billion of investment taken off the table. Now the Scottish affairs committee is endorsing the view that investment and growth prospects have been adversely affected by the policy shift while also arguing that the UK government has been too slow to set out its long-term plans for the sector.
Times 25th July 2016 read more »
The U.K. should review its decision to ban onshore wind subsidies, a move that could cost Scotland as much as 3 billion pounds ($3.9 billion) and torpedo its clean energy targets, lawmakers said.
Bloomberg 25th July 2016 read more »