The new report produced by the independent consultancy firm Xero Energy outlines the necessary measures that must taken to help deliver electricity grid connections from renewable energy production on the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland Islands. It was commissioned jointly by the UK and Scottish governments to support the development of renewable energy projects on the three Scottish island groups and create new jobs in energy, investment and wider community benefits.
The report discusses the following key issues:
- certainty for developers around the longevity of the support that underpin the business cases for grid developments
- stability of grid charges
- loan guarantees
- research funding support for grid connections for marine technologies
- continuation of Government input to oversee co-ordination and delivery of support provisions
The UK Government’s Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, commented on the release of the new report:
“This report will play an important part in the next stage of our partnership work for renewable energy from the Scottish islands. We have already made more progress in the last year than for many years, after the UK Government announced last December additional support for onshore wind projects, with a special higher Scottish Islands strike price. While that initiative itself should unlock much potential green energy, I’m determined to tackle remaining issues despite the complexity involved.”
Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said that both governments recognised the “huge” renewable energy potential of the Scottish islands, which “could make a substantial contribution to both governments’ 2020 renewable energy targets and longer-term climate change ambitions”.
“Our collaborative approach is based on this shared understanding, and through the work of the inter-governmental Scottish Islands Renewables Group, we will continue to build momentum towards delivery of these vital connections,” he added.
Photo Source: Offshore Wind
