Proposals to force UK consumers to subsidise renewables in an independent Scotland, and buy back energy to keep the lights on, have been branded “wrong-headed” and “unworkable”. http://www.energyvoice.com/2014/01/scotland-decides-snp-energy-plans-unworkable-warns-carmichael/
By Christian Oliver in Brussels Concerns over high energy costs in Europe are undermining support for the binding renewable targets that have been seen as one of the EU’s most visible environmental achievements. European commissioners are considering scrapping the targets for 2030 in a move that would please big utility Read more
By Jim Pickard, Chief Political Correspondent Meetings between lobbying firms and ministers’ special advisers will have to be disclosed after a Lib Dem uprising in the House of Lords on Monday afternoon. The coalition has been widely criticised for significant loopholes in its lobbying bill, which is designed to shed Read more
By Kaye Nicolson and Alistair Whitfield MORAY campaigners have hit out after it emerged that hundreds of wind turbine blades may have to be buried in the future. An official report has warned that rotor blades on the structures could be destined for landfill when they are decommissioned. Unlike other Read more
Campaigners and local MP say business rates for drilling operations will undermine trust in local government decisions http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/13/fracking-shale-gas-incentives-councils
In a statement, Sinovel said it received a notification of investigation from CSRC on Sunday 12 January. It said: “[The company] is willing to cooperate with CSRC during the investigation, and therefore suspend its listing and floating of shares.” http://www.windpowermonthly.com/article/1226815/sinovel-investigated-second-time-eight-months
Dundee University is to launch a new marine testing centre for renewable energy projects as it looks to provide an extra boost to development in Scotland. http://www.energyvoice.com/2014/01/dundee-university-launch-new-2m-marine-renewable-energy-facility/
PLANS for a five-turbine windfarm at Woodlands Farm near Dingwall have been submitted with Highland Council planners. http://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/News/Ross-wind-farm-plans-lodged-as-showcase-staged-to-explain-scheme-13012014.htm