MSPs to debate Scottish renewables

The Scottish Conservatives have highlighted that renewable energy can continue to thrive in Scotland without additional subsidies from the UK.

Energy spokesman Murdo Fraser has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to cease financial support of wind farms across the UK. The Scottish Conservatives feel wind farm construction is still viable without the aid of public money. They highlight the solar energy subsidiary as an example.

Scottish Conservative energy spokesman Murdo Fraser said:

“We do not share the single-minded focus of some other parties on onshore wind as a technology, but we do want to see a balanced portfolio of renewable energy making a contribution. We know that the Scottish Government is critical of the UK plans to cut subsidies for wind power, but the reason that has happened is because costs have been spiralling too high.” “We need to remember that, if we add together all the projects constructed, all those under construction, and all those which have planning consent – we will have exceeded the target. We cannot go on pouring subsidy into one technology when targets are already being met. There has been a lot of doom and gloom about what these subsidy changes will mean, but fortunately not everyone takes that view.” “We saw a similar position in solar, and of course that industry went from strength to strength, despite the SNP saying in 2011 that changes would have a ‘devastating impact for households and businesses’.” “Renewable energy still has a bright future. The UK Government is taking the right decisions to protect consumers, and should be commended for doing so.”