Minister announces steering group to investigate renewables concerns

A new steering group is to be set up to look into concerns about the speed of progress of renewable projects on the Scottish islands.

Announced today by secretary of state for energy and climate change Edward Davey, who was in Orkney this week, the group will inform a study of the issues that are slowing the speed of marine and wind development in the islands.

Mr Davey said: “The Scottish Islands are blessed with tremendous tidal, wind and wave renewable resources and we should look to fully utilise this huge potential where we can.

“I recognise there are concerns about the speed of progress of renewable projects on the islands. That is why I am today commissioning, in conjunction with the Scottish Government, a new Steering Group that will inform a new independent study on Scottish Island Renewable Generation.

“This study will assess the commercial viability of renewable projects on the Scottish islands and the overall value for money these projects provide for the UK.

“I have been very impressed with the wind and marine developments I’ve seen this week during my visits to Shetland and Orkney and it is important everything is being done to speed up progress where possible.”