Summit planned to secure islands’ energy future
Scotland’s energy minister, Fergus Ewing and the leaders of the councils of Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, have today announced plans to convene a summit following what has been described as a missed opportunity by the UK Government.
The summit follows a recent Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announcement of additional support for Scottish island wind – £115/MWh, compared to £90/MWh on the mainland.
While this support for the islands represents progress following years of work by Governments, local authorities and industry, there is concern that a one-size-fits-all approach will fall short of what is required for developments to proceed in all of the islands.
The summit will also now consider the implications of Ofgem’s decision this week to delay the conclusion of its transmission charging review – Project Transmit.
OIC convener, Councillor Steven Heddle said: “Orkney has already established a world leading role in the development of marine renewable energy. With the right support in place, developers will commit themselves to commercial-scale wave and tidal projects within Orkney’s energy-rich waters.
“New grid connections are vital if Orkney is to fulfil its huge potential for energy generation from the seas around us. I welcome the announcement of the summit and look forward to working with both Governments to find solutions that unlock island transmission connections for the benefit of Scotland and the UK as a whole.”