by Iain Ramage
Academics have clashed with politicians and developers over the amount of
power generated by windfarms, as green energy targets are missed on both
sides of the border.
The argument over the technology has intensified following UK Government
cuts in subsidies to developers.
Amid growing concern about power supply, a scientific body has told
Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing that his protestations to his UK
counterpart Amber Rudd over subsidies are misguided.
The SNP minister had referred to “energy rich” Scotland.
In a letter to Mr Ewing, Professor Jack Ponton, vice chairman of the
environmental group Scientific Alliance Scotland, sums up Scotland’s
contribution as “modest.”
He has told him that Scotland’s wind generation will not solve the issue,
but “would do horrendous damage to Scotland’s landscape and rural amenity”.
Prof Ponton states: “The Department of Energy and Climate Change have
credited wind with 7% of installed capacity in security assessment.
However, actual experience has shown this to be an overly optimistic figure.
“UK wind output reached a minimum of 0.095GW on August 1, a load factor of
0.7%.
He added: “A recent wind lull was a significant contributor to the National
Grid’s problems.”
Mr Ewing told the Press and Journal: “We were led to believe the decision
to cut subsidies for renewables was based on targets being met. Now we
learn that the UK is expected to miss its 15% energy from renewables by a
wide margin.
“Recent announcements by the UK Government represent an attack on the
renewables sector, creating huge uncertainty for investors, developers and
communities, and undermining Scotland’s ability to fulfil its renewable
energy potential. We remain ambitious about renewables, however.”
Jenny Hogan, of the trade body Scottish Renewables, said: “Currently,
because the wholesale price does not provide a sufficient signal for
investment, all forms of electricity generation require support.
“Onshore wind is approaching a level considered ‘subsidy free’ by the
Committee on Climate Change, the UK Government’s own advisors, and is
already around 10% cheaper than new nuclear.”
Highlands-based industry watcher Stuart Young said: “The lack of capacity
is entirely predictable and entirely at the feet of the politicians.”
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