An academic has cast doubt on the number of jobs the renewable energy industry would create in Scotland.
Professor Jane Bower claimed the country was engaged in a “headlong dash” for wind power which was antiquated and inefficient and there was “no prospect” of Scotland becoming a manufacturer of high-value turbine components.
Prof Bower, who set up the Centre for Entrepreneurship at Aberdeen University, questioned whether countries would buy wind power from an independent Scotland, given that energy from shale gas and nuclear power was cheaper. She said Denmark had to sell most of its wind-generated power to neighbouring countries at a loss because they are “not prepared to pay the high costs”.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said Prof Bower’s views, echoed by US businessman Donald Trump, were unsupported by evidence and do not reflect the facts or public opinion about renewable energy.
She said 11,000 jobs had already been created in the sector and, last year alone, projects representing an investment of £750million were switched on.
Prof Bower submitted her views to Holyrood’s economy, energy and tourism committee which is investigating whether targets to meet 100% of electricity demand by wind, wave and tidal power by 2020 is realistic.
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