At the third meeting of the Scottish Island Renewables Delivery Forum, the UK and Scottish Governments reaffirmed their continued support and joint endeavour towards delivering the huge renewable energy potential of the Scottish islands.
The Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Davey, recognised the importance to developers of government support for renewable energy projects with long lead times, and DECC intend to announce further strike prices for a number of technologies for 2019/20 and 2020/21 in July, including Scottish islands onshore wind.
The Energy and Climate Change Secretary also said the UK Government is working with the EU to secure State Aid approval as soon as possible.
The two Governments agree that these two actions could help unlock the opportunity for island developers to apply for CfD support later this year.
In addition, agreement was reached between the two Governments to continue joint efforts to progress a research and development funding proposal to secure future grid access for marine technologies on Orkney.
Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing said:
“Yesterday’s meeting of the Scottish Island Renewables Delivery Forum has secured the most significant progress for the islands since the Delivery Forum was established after my proposal in June 2014. I am delighted that the UK and Scottish Governments have agreed a joint statement of intent, and that the Secretary of State has committed to publishing important information in July on availability of support.
“This announcement will be a huge boost for developers, and of course for the island councils who have pushed hard to secure this commitment. It signals a clear demonstration of political will that the transmission owner and the regulator have stated is necessary to progress the case for the island grid links.
“I have made connecting the Scottish islands a top priority because of the enormous clean and affordable energy potential, but also because of the substantial opportunity for island communities to benefit. This is a significant step towards realising our joint ambitions and we will look to drive forward further progress through the Delivery Forum, which will convene again in the spring.”
Press release; Image: EMEC (Illustration)