Industry targets post-Brexit growth

Trade bodies Scottish Renewables and RenewableUK have called on the UK government and renewables industry to not let Brexit stymy growth opportunities for the sector.

Speaking at the Scottish Renewables’ Onshore Wind Conference in Glasgow today chief executive Niall Stuart (pictured) said: “We know that implementing the vote to leave the EU will be a huge and complex task.

“But if we want to keep investing in renewables, to protect the jobs that the sector supports and to continue cleaning up the energy sector, then the UK government must ensure it doesn’t get in the way of three crucial things for the industry.

“Firstly; that ministers stick to their plan to announce this summer the final decision on support for renewable energy projects on Scotland’s islands, and the details of auctions for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy.

“Secondly, that common sense prevails on onshore wind and solar, and that the two cheapest forms of clean electricity are again allowed to bid for long term contracts for power.

“And, finally, it is vitally important that our new Prime Minister and Cabinet set out a clear and unequivocal commitment to the country’s international obligations to tackle climate change.”

R-UK chief executive Hugh McNeal speaking at the same conference said the economic uncertainty caused by the country’s decision to leave the EU strengthens the case for supporting onshore wind. 

“It is tempting in these unprecedented times, in the period of uncertainty and market volatility since the vote, to focus only on the challenges ahead,” he said.

But “it is precisely now, at this moment which is so unpredictable and uncertain, that I believe we should reflect on what we can offer,” McNeal added.

“There remains a pipeline of onshore wind plants that are ready to build now, ready to be financed; projects which can generate economic activity and capital investment, projects it makes sense to build given the benefits they will bring and the challenges we now face.

“It is vital that onshore wind retains an ability to compete and that it has ‘a route to market’. The offer is there. We now need to work to build a broad coalition, one that reaches out across industry, across all political parties, to help deliver it.”

Image: Scottish Renewables