Cable delay is a ‘body blow’ to Orkney renewables

Following news that a proposed cable linking renewables developments in Orkney to mainland Scotland is not expected to be delivered until 2018 at the earliest, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur expressed concerns about the implications of this delay.

Mr McArthur said: “The news of a further delay in delivering this vital infrastructure is a body blow and will dismay all those involved in Scotland’s wave and tidal energy sector.

“Orkney is at the forefront of marine renewables worldwide.  Enabling projects to be connected in a timely and cost-effective manner is critical, therefore, to our ambitions to be a global leader in this technology.  It is also essential if Scotland and the UK are to meet our renewables and climate change targets.

“I have spoken to the energy minister, Fergus Ewing and agreed that urgent action is necessary. We need to fully understand SSE’s reasons for this further delay and look at what steps can be taken to ensure confidence, investment and momentum in the marine renewables sector is maintained over the coming years.”