A hard Brexit could damage Scotland’s renewables industry by cutting off
access to vital labour and funding, Nicola Sturgeon will warn.
Scotland’s First Minister will urge the UK Government to provide clarity
on the future of the sector as she addresses the Scottish Renewables annual
conference in Edinburgh.
The speech falls in the week that marks one year until the UK is due to
exit the European Union (EU).
Ms Sturgeon will highlight the importance of the industry to Scotland’s
economy, with more than a third of the UK’s renewable energy produced north
of the border.
She is expected to say: “Scotland has internationally recognised research
expertise in renewables.
“We also have incredible renewable resources, and a long history of
engineering excellence. Those assets give us the basis for a thriving
renewables sector and supply chain.
“Brexit makes this work rather more challenging. If we are taken out of the
single market, it will hinder our supply chain and reduce our skills base.
“If we are outside the internal energy market it could affect our influence
on issues such as energy regulation and cross-border energy flows,
something which is of increasing importance.
“And, arguably more damaging to our ambitions, we could also lose access to
EU funding.
“Scotland has benefited from one of the biggest investments ever made by
the European Investment Bank – the £500 million of funding they provided
for the Beatrice offshore windfarm.
“Scotland has also done disproportionately well from EU support for
research and innovation in the renewables sector. We want that to continue.
“Although the overall outlook for this sector is hugely positive, we need
the UK Government to provide clarity on these points. A hard Brexit could
potentially cause harm to our supply chain and skills base; our influence
on big decisions on issues such as regulation and energy flows; and our
access to funding.
“It’s a good example of why arguing for the least damaging approach to
Brexit – for continued single market and customs union membership – is a
core part of the day to day business of government.”
0 Comments