The boss of RenewableUK said the economic uncertainty caused by the UK’s decision to leave the European Union had strengthened the case for supporting onshore wind.
Hugh McNeal made the analysis after both the Prime Minister and Chancellor addressed concerns about the effects of a prolonged economic adjustment and the need for a clear plan for immediate financial stability.
Speaking at the Scottish Renewables Onshore Wind Conference in Glasgow, he said the “stakes were high” if the UK is to lose access to the European energy market.
He said:”It is tempting in these unprecedented times, in the period of uncertainty and market volatility since the vote, to focus only on the challenges ahead. The fears are very real. The stakes very high, in terms of investment, jobs and consumer bills if we lose access to the European Energy Market.
“It is precisely now, at this moment which is so unpredictable and uncertain, that I believe we should reflect on what we can offer; cheap, home-grown electricity able to deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of capital investment for our economy over the next few years, helping companies all over Britain just at a time when we need it most.
“It is vital that onshore wind retains an ability to compete and that it has “a route to market”. The offer is there. We now need to work to build a broad coalition, one that reaches out across industry, across all political parties, to help deliver it”.
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