By Jamie McKenzie
A north anti-windfarm campaigner is blaming turbines for the renewed threat
to the future of a coal-fire power station in Fife – not cross-border
variation in transmission charges.
Scottish Power believes its Longannet facility is at a serious disadvantage
to English-based suppliers which can more easily tap into the network.
The energy giant issued warnings about an early threat to closure in
October 2014.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has written to David Cameron calling for an
analysis of electricity capacity margins in Scotland.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has also demanded assurances from the UK
Government about Scotland’s energy security.
But Stuart Young, anti-windfarm campaigner, formerly of the Caithness
Windfarm Information Forum, believes the SNP’s renewable energy policy is
reducing the need to buy electricity generated from cheaper fossil fuel.
He said: “There is a lot in the press about the grid connection charges
facing Scottish Power to close up Longannet but the fact is the grid
connection charges have been the same for many years. But over the years
there has been so much wind energy taking priority over coal and the reason
Longannet is no longer earning enough to keep it running is down to the
flawed government with their disgraceful windfarm policy. It is their own
fault and Fergus Ewing has had a road to Damascus moment.
“The problem arises from the fact that when the national grid has to shed
load it sheds the cheapest load, and coal is only half the price of wind so
it shuts down the cheap, reliable generator and allows us to buy
electricity from expensive generators.
“The national grid is commercially driven and they take actions but for
their shareholders and will always shut down coal and gas first.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The Scottish Government has a
target of delivering the equivalent of at least 100% of gross electricity
consumption from renewables by 2020. We are making significant progress
with over 44% of gross consumption in Scotland met using renewable sources
in 2013, accounting for 32% of total UK renewable electricity generation.
“Ministers have always been clear that renewables will form part of a
wider, balanced electricity mix, with thermal generation continuing to play
an important role.”
The national grid’s high voltage transmission lines mean that the cost of
electricity is higher north of the border – further from highest demand.
It costs about £40m a year to keep Longannet connected to the national
grid, while an equivalent power station in the south of England would
receive a payment of £4m.
The pricing issue is determined by the regulator Ofgem.
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