Energy announcement recognises isles renewable challenges — Carmichael

The unique challenges faced by renewable energy developers in Orkney and Shetland are at last due to get fair treatment, according to Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael.

Mr Carmichael’s comments come after the department for energy and climate change announced draft strike prices for renewable technologies and confirmed that work had started on a special price specifically for island communities.

“I have long argued in opposition and in government that an arrangement of this sort is necessary and today we have confirmation from the government that the principle is accepted,” Mr Carmichael said.

“Ultimately the crucial decision will be what level of subsidy is to be set for the isles. It needs are to be high enough to overcome the extra costs of transmission charging or else the potential development of renewables will never happen.

“Great credit must be given to Ed Davey who, as secretary of state for energy and climate change, has been the first minister to listen to the community and developers here and to act on what he is told. I shall continue to work in government closely with him to ensure that the detail as well as the principle is right.”