The Scottish renewables industry has given thanks to departing Holyrood energy minister Paul Wheelhouse who lost his seat in last week’s parliamentary elections.
Chief executive of trade body Scottish Renewables Claire Mack said Wheelhouse had shown “deep understanding” of the renewables industry throughout his time as energy minister and “recognised its benefit to Scotland’s economy and environment”.
After failing to unseat Conservative incumbent Rachael Hamilton in Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire in the Borders, Wheelhouse was hoping to enter Holyrood through the regional list.
But gains by the SNP in other areas across South Scotland meant that the party collected fewer list seats than in 2016, with Wheelhouse the main casualty.
Under Holyrood’s proportional representation system, winning constituency seats in a region can harm the chances of a party also gaining seats on the corresponding regional list.
Wheelhouse was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2011 and became Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands in 2018.
As energy minister he was responsible for Scotland’s energy strategy and renewable energy consents, and he chaired the Scottish government’s strategic leadership group on renewables.
Claire Mack said: “Paul Wheelhouse’s time as Scottish Energy Minister included some of the largest developments in renewable energy policy to date, including the reinstatement of onshore wind in the Contracts for Difference Mechanism, a new offshore leasing round and the end of UK government support for small renewables.
“Throughout, the Minister showed deep understanding of this industry and recognised its benefit to Scotland’s economy as well as our environment, championing positive policy change at both parliaments.
“Of particular note is his establishment of the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council and unwavering support for the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act in its progress through parliament.
“Scottish Renewables recognised these achievements with the well-deserved Outstanding Contribution Award at 2019’s Scottish Green Energy Awards.
“I wish Paul all the best in his future career and look forward to working with the next Scottish Government’s new Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Net Zero and Transport following their appointment later this month.”