Scottish Renewables says the UK government “must commit” to a package of measures to support Scotland’s renewable energy industry, detailed in the trade bogy’s ‘green energy’ manifesto.
Key measures including making onshore wind eligible to compete in the energy market and supporting innovation and a shift to low-carbon heat.
The association’s manifesto for the upcoming UK General Election on 12 December sets out a package of measures which it advises “should be adopted by all parties as the UK seeks to modernise its energy system and tackle the climate emergency”.
In it, Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack writes: “The renewable energy sector has gigawatts of shovel-ready projects waiting which would deliver and protect thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in socioeconomic benefits, as well as displacing millions of tonnes of carbon emissions.
“The recommendations contained in this manifesto would boost Scotland’s economy. Scotland needs a vibrant renewables sector, and Scotland’s politicians must support it.”
The organisation’s six imperatives are that the next UK government must, first, bring forward Contracts for Difference (CfD) pot one auctions for onshore wind and solar as soon as possible.
Second it urges for a commitment to the “provision of ring-fencing for early-stage technologies within the CfD system and to innovative revenue support mechanisms for our world-leading wave, tidal and floating wind sectors.”
Third, the manifesto asks for swift action to “secure a future” for the small-scale renewable energy sector, recognising the unique benefits it offers.
Fourth the document requests that Ofgem be given the regulatory powers required to enable investment in the low-carbon infrastructure needed to deliver a modern energy system.
Fifth, the manifesto advises that UK and Scottish climate targets should be taken into account regarding any future national or regional infrastructure investment packages and review plans accordingly.
Finally, the document requests an extension to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) beyond 2021 and bring forward successor policies, including fair taxation of fossil fuel heating, in a timely fashion.
The manifesto sets out key facts on renewable energy, including that onshore wind – which has been largely locked out of the energy market by the UK Government since 2015 – is the cheapest form of new-build power, and that the majority of the 7600 low-carbon heat projects in Scotland to date have been supported by the Renewable Heat Incentive, a scheme which the UK Government is ending in 2021, with no successor.
Mack said: “It is clear that this election will have far-reaching consequences for the UK, but none will be as important as our continuing efforts to create a modern, fit-for-purpose energy system which can maximise the deployment of renewable energy.
“It is imperative that the next UK government, however it is composed, understand that renewable energy is now mainstream, and is a vital part of the fight against climate change, as well as vibrant economy.
“This is an industry which provides the equivalent of almost three-quarters of Scotland’s electricity consumption and invested £5.5bn here in 2017. Choosing to ignore the recommendations contained in this manifesto would mean delaying the deployment of renewables at the time when the UK and Scotland need them most.”