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Highland business group chief expresses “huge concern” over windfarm subsidy decision

Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce.
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce.

 

The chief executive of a Highland business group has expressed “huge concern” that the UK Government has decided to end onshore windfarm subsidies.

Stewart Nicol, who heads up Inverness Chamber of Commerce, claimed the move appeared to be politically motivated to benefit people in England without regard for the Scottish economy.

The business group held emergency talks with Energy Minister Fergus Ewing and renewables industry representatives in Inverness yesterday to discuss the Conservative’s intention to close the renewables obligation for onshore wind from April next year.

Industry body Scottish Renewables claims the move could cost £3billion in investment.

But anti-windfarm campaigners are delighted.

Graham Lang, chairman of pressure group Scotland Against Spin, said communities “besieged by subsidy-chasers” can at last look forward to some respite.

“Every wind farm proposal creates more opposition, every turbine which goes up convinces more people that enough is enough,” he added.

Mr Nicol said: “Given the contribution renewable energy development makes to the Highland economy in terms of supply-chain contracts, community benefit, skills development and investment, it is hugely concerning that Westminster has moved to progress these plans ahead of schedule.

“It is hard not to conclude that this is a political intervention based on the needs of south of the border, and shows total lack of recognition for the industry’s importance in Scotland as a provider of employment, economic growth and inward investment.”

Gordon MacDougall of renewable energy firm RES claimed onshore wind was on the verge of being able to compete with other forms of energy on a commercial basis without requiring new subsidies in the 2020s.

“Stable and supportive policy across the UK is the key stepping stone to this subsidy free future,” he added.

Mr Ewing claimed the UK Government decision to “move the goalposts” could potentially have an impact on thousands of people who work in the renewables industry.

He said he was keen to listen to the concerns of stakeholders and work with them to lobby the UK Government for a change in direction.