Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions have come under fresh scrutiny after claims that almost £100 billion of planned investment could be put at risk by an upcoming UK Government energy strategy.
The concerns centre on the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, which is due to be presented to the UK Energy Secretary by the National Energy System Operator in the coming weeks.
According to reports, industry figures fear some major Scottish renewable energy projects could be excluded from future infrastructure plans because of concerns over grid capacity and electricity network connections.
The issue has raised questions about whether Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions, including projects awarded through the ScotWind leasing round, could face delays or reduced investment if supporting infrastructure is not prioritised.
The SNP claims that investment worth around £96 billion is at stake and argues that decisions made at Westminster could have significant implications for Scotland’s renewable energy sector and the jobs it supports.
Calum Kerr MSP said:
“Successive Westminster governments have syphoned off £400 billion from Scotland’s energy industry but have now stood idly by as thousands of jobs are lost in our offshore industry.
“Scotland has now won the energy lottery for a second time with the potential to be a renewables superpower.
“But once again this future is being put at risk by a Westminster government which does not care a jot about Scotland.
“Investment of nearly £100 billion now stands at risk due to a Labour government which has mishandled Scotland’s energy resources with devastating consequences letting bills soar and highly skilled jobs end up on the scrapheap.
“It is only with the fresh start with independence that we can put Scotland’s energy in Scotland’s hands and use our vast energy resources to build a wealthier country anew.”
The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan is intended to help shape where future electricity generation and network investment should be focused across the UK as demand for renewable energy continues to grow.
Its publication is expected to be closely watched by energy companies, investors and communities across the Highlands and Islands, where many of Scotland’s largest renewable energy projects are planned or already under development.
