The Scottish government has expressed anger at the UK government’s latest Contract for Difference (CfD) proposals, which set budgets at £290m across two delivery periods.
Scotland’s Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse said: “I am extremely disappointed, indeed angered, by the UK government’s handling of this vitally important issue.
“The UK government has misled Scottish ministers and the members of the Scottish Island Renewable Delivery Forum on the promised support for island wind projects.”
“The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy were invited to notify the state aid case for remote island wind 10 months ago – why have they not used this time to consult?
“The Scottish government and the island councils asked the UK government for a meeting of the Scottish Island Renewable Delivery Forum on numerous occasions in the last year but received no response.
“At no time was it suggested there would be a further consultation. We now call upon the Secretary of State to reconvene the Forum and have the courtesy to explain this decision to those affected in person.”
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar expressed deep frustration and disappointment at the decision to omit the islands from the next CfD round.
Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Angus Campbell said: “Whilst it is obviously frustrating and very disappointing that remote island wind will not be included in the next round of Contracts for Difference, there is still an opportunity here and the Comhairle will continue to pursue the development of a renewables industry in the islands.
“Whilst this will delay matters I am certainly determined that this will not kick the prospects for island renewables into the long grass.”
Wheelhouse was also disappointed with the lack of a minimum allocation for wave and tidal stream technologies.
“We look forward to detailed discussions with the UK government to agreeing a way forward for this exciting industry,” he said.
Image: Wheelhouse
