Subsidies axe threatens renewable energy firms, MP committee told
Renewable energy firms are at risk of “shutting up shop altogether” as a result of the early withdrawal of government subsidies, a Westminster committee has been told.
scottish renewables
UK Government policy hitting windfarm investment
New research has shown for the first time that recent announcements from Whitehall are having a significant impact on investor confidence and their ability to lend to onshore wind farm developers. Green-energy body Scottish Renewables (SR) is today publishing survey findings it says shows for the first time how UK Government policy is scaring off potential windfarm investors.
North Sea is focus of landmark renewables conference
The North Sea is the focal point of a new EU-backed conference on the future of energy in Europe.
Billions in renewables investment at risk from Government shake-up
The Government's shake-up of the renewable sector could lead to billions of pounds of investment being put on hold it has been claimed.
Scottish Renewables says scheme undermines onshore wind
Confidence in the UK’s onshore wind sector has been further hit by hints that Westminster may remove the technology from the Government’s new competitive auction process, a renewables body has warned. Niall Stuart, chief executive of trade body Scottish Renewables, said wind being blocked from the Contracts for Difference (CFD) scheme “would result in a massive and dramatic decline in development”. Scottish Renewables revealed that, when asked whether onshore wind projects could access the new CFD auction, UK Energy Secretary Amber Rudd had told the House of Commons: “In respect of contracts for difference, we would be implementing the terms of our manifesto”. This announcement came less than a week after Ms Rudd announced the early closure of the Renewables Obligation scheme, imperilling 250 onshore wind projects. Speaking at his organisation’s Onshore Wind Conference in Edinburgh yesterday, Mr Stuart said: “Yesterday’s announcement serves to further undermine the confidence of Scotland’s onshore wind industry.
RSPB calls for judicial review into offshore windfarm projects
The RSPB has called for a judicial review after the Scottish Government gave consent for four offshore windfarms in the east of Scotland. The charity mounted a legal challenge at the Court of Session in Edinburgh over permission granted last October for four Scottish territorial and round three wind farms. The projects, in the Outer Forth and Tay, include Mainstream's 450MW Neart na Gaoithe, Repsol and EDP's 784MW Inch Cape and SSE and Fluor's 525MW Seagreen Alpha and 525MW Seagreen Bravo.
First minister ‘misleading MSPs over jobs’
Alex Salmond has been accused of misleading MSPs over the number of jobs created in Scotland's renewable energy industry.
Energy will be key to independence debate
Those of you who turn to Energy to escape from the interminable debate about Scotland's constitutional future may be in for a disappointment.
Renewables sector ‘already major employer in Scotland’
More than 11,000 people already work in Scotland's renewable-energy industry, according to a study published today.
Nigg deal ‘huge boost to Easter Ross’
THE announcement that Global Energy Group has finally secured the purchase of the Nigg yard was widely welcomed by politicians and business leaders yesterday.
Conference attracts industry main players
SCOTLAND'S largest-ever offshore wind conference took place at the AECC last month, attracting 400 of the most influential business leaders in oil and gas and renewable energy from across the UK and Europe.
Renewable power projects go on show
HIGHLAND residents will see renewable energy in action as part of a unique festival in the region next month.
North and north-east dominate awards
NORTH-EAST and Highlands and Islands firms and projects have dominated this year's Green Energy Awards, which are organised by the green energy trade body Scottish Renewables, with winners announced last night in Edinburgh.