The UK Government should not remove public subsidies for wind farms without
consulting the Scottish Government first, the energy minister has warned.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is expected to announce
measures to deliver on the Conservatives’ manifesto pledge to “end any new
public subsidy” for onshore wind farms.
Fergus Ewing has written to Energy Secretary Amber Rudd seeking assurances
that the Scottish Government will be consulted before any change.
He says the DECC must also consult with the energy industry.
In his letter, Mr Ewing said: “I welcome the commitment in the Queen’s
Speech that there will be consultation with the devolved administrations on
changes to subsidies for onshore wind farms and I look forward to that
consultation.
“However, I am concerned about recent statements coming from your
department relating to proposed changes in support for renewable energy.
“Any lack of clarity has the potential to stall a very substantial pipeline
of investment in the UK and Scotland, and dent the UK and Scotland’s
reputation with developers and investors.”
He added: “We have not received any information from your department on the
possible options you are considering or what analysis has been done to
assess the impact on projects in Scotland.
“Given the importance of the renewables sector to Scotland and prior
commitments to consult, I would appreciate your reassurance that you will
not make any changes to the subsidy arrangements for onshore wind without
agreement from Scottish ministers.
“Furthermore, and given the obvious disquiet within the sector, I strongly
urge that your department engage with businesses involved in the sector and
their trade bodies – both to give them reassurance that any changes to the
subsidy regime are being taken forward in a considered and planned way, but
also to ensure that your department retains good faith with these
businesses and organisations who are integral to the future energy security
of both the UK and Scotland.”
Environmental charity WWF Scotland said changes to the scheme could risk
undermining the development of the cheapest form of renewable energy.
Director Lang Banks said: “Cutting support for the lowest-cost renewable
technology would be a backward step that will either see bills rise or
climate targets missed.
“Opinion polls consistently show onshore wind to be one of the most popular
forms of electricity, generating thousands of jobs across Scotland and
helping to cut our carbon emissions.
“We urge the UK Government to think again on its plans to cut support and
encourage the Scottish Government to continue to back the development of
onshore wind in Scotland.”
The UK Government has previously stated that it will consult with Scotland
on the issue.
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