Friday 27 February 2015

Energy auction outcome “disappointing”, says Fergus Ewing

The Scottish Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing has expressed disappointment at the outcome of the UK Government's renewable energy auction.

Commenting on the results of the first Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, Fergus Ewing said: “It is very disappointing that two key Scottish offshore developments – MORL and Inchcape - have not been given the go-ahead by the UK Government.”

The comments come after the UK Government’s renewable energy auction was announced yesterday.

The solar industry slammed the government for favouring big players in the auction.

However the Minister welcomed the news that Neart na Gaoithe and Scottish Power’s East Anglia Project were awarded the contracts, which will provide more than 1GW of offshore wind in Scottish waters, estimated to generate electricity to power more than 600,000 homes.

Environmental groups also welcomed the news.

Gina Hanrahan, Climate and Energy Policy Officer for WWF Scotland said: “To ensure the continued growth of the offshore wind industry, attract supply chain investment and continue to bring down costs, the next UK Government must provide a stable and sustained funding pipeline for offshore wind and clear volume signals in the 2020s.

"We’re calling on all political parties to make the growth of our offshore wind sector a key plank of their energy vision.”