A MAJOR scheme to unlock the green energy potential of Scotland’s islands is at risk, industry leaders have warned, amid growing concerns the UK Government is preparing to ditch promised subsidies. Industry insiders have warned time is running out for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to clear Read more
The prize is considerable. Abundant resources mean wind farm technology on the Western Isles, Shetland and Orkney could make a huge contribution to the UK’s renewable energy industry. In the Western Isles alone, schemes already subject to consents and contracts hold out the prospect of some £7 million in benefits Read more
By Andrew Liddle The Scottish Conservatives would allow communities to block large-scale windfarm developments if elected in May. Party leader Ruth Davidson made the pledge as she unveiled her Rural Manifesto in Aviemore. The Tories – who are currently vying for second place in the polls with Labour – have Read more
By Iain Howie Proposals for four wind turbines near Methven have been refused. Councillors were asked to review the Parks of Keillour Farm scheme which could have seen turbines reaching 125m to blade tip erected on a 5.2 hectares site. These would generate 3MW each, with capacity to supply nearly Read more
Independent Planning Review: A team led by Kevin Murray Associates, the University of Dundee and including Dr Ian Cooper of Eclipse Research Consultants, was appointed by the Scottish Government, acting on behalf of the independent Review Panel, to undertake an analysis of the written evidence submitted to the Scottish Government’s Read more
The European Investment Bank has put in £500 million to fund a new Caithness-Moray link which will improve connections between Scottish wind, wave and tidal renewable energy schemes and the national grid. The new power link will help secure the supply of electricity in the Highlands and beyond for generations Read more
A Swiss-registered conglomerate has won an order worth more than $250 million to deliver a 220-kilovolt (kV) high-voltage cable system that will connect the Hornsea-1 offshore wind turbine parc in the North Sea to the UK mainland grid. $250m cable contract to connect Britain’s biggest offshore wind turbine parc goes Read more
Revealing these milestones in a raft of energy statistics published today, a spokesman for DECC said: “Our plan is working: we’re delivering affordable, secure and low carbon energy for hard-working families and businesses. UK generates 25% of electricity from renewable energy, but Scots race ahead to reach 57.7%