Islands renewables discussed with energy secretary

High-level talks have been held with the UK Government aimed at ensuring long-term benefits for Orkney from renewable energy.

Representatives from Orkney Islands Council met with secretary of state for energy and climate change Amber Rudd last week.

The meeting followed discussions with Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit to Orkney for the Battle of Jutland commemorations.

“In our talks with the Prime Minister, we raised the need for measures to be put in place to ensure the islands can make best use of their resources for the good of our communities and the country as a whole,” said Orkney Islands Council convener Steven Heddle.

“He, in turn, asked for the energy secretary to meet with us. Talks at the highest level are vitally important to us if we are to succeed in making the case that islands renewables projects should have a key role to play in the government’s future energy plans.”

At last week’s meeting, the Government was asked to:

• Introduce a ‘strike price’ for electricity generated from the wind in the islands — the minimum price developers could expect to be paid for power from islands-based wind energy projects.

• Confirm a strike price for electricity from wave and tidal energy projects.

• Ensure there is long-term funding support for electricity generated from marine energy test centres.

A response from the Government is expected later this year.