The green energy groups of Scotland and UK, Scottish Renewables, RenewableUK, has welcomed the study report undertaken by UK and Scotland government validating the high renewable energy potential of the Scottish islands.
The study reveals that islands have tremendous resources for onshore wind, wave, and tidal power, and further adds that it can be leveraged to meet UK’s 2020 renewables targets.
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However, it is also noted that high transmission costs including cost of grid access and expensive transmission links have held the clean energy sector of the country.
Scottish Renewables chief executive Niall Stuart stated that the study confirms the group’s concerns over high transmission charges that are blocking the progress of renewable projects in the islands.
"Our world-leading wave and tidal industry will not progress unless government intervenes to bring down charges, which are currently estimated to be up to 7 times higher on the islands than the mainland.
"This is welcome recognition of the problem, but we now need to see a solution that will bring charges down to a level that allows renewable projects to go ahead," explained Stuart.
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By GlobalDataRenewableUK’s Wave and Tidal development manager David Krohn remarked that the renewable projects development at the Scottish islands can usher in a strong marine energy industry.
Krohn urged governments of UK and Scotland to formulate schemes so as to leverage the potential resources of the islands.
"Furthermore, without incentives and mechanisms for encouraging investment in the grid, it is unlikely that we will capitalise on the opportunity to build an entirely domestic industry," said Krohn.
Also, Energy and Climate Change State Secretary Edward Davey remarked: "The Government is keen to unlock the potential for the development for renewable energy on the Scottish Islands, but it’s vital that projects represent value for money for the consumer.
"The report being published marks a considerable step in progress towards making decisions about supporting renewables investment on the Scottish Islands," added Davey.
Meanwhile, Scottish Renewables claimed that the high transmission costs could be answered through a cap on charges or an additional level of support for generators.
"We also want to see Scottish and UK governments look at drawing down funds from the European Investment Bank, which could be used to help fund the necessary island grid infrastructure at a lower level of interest," suggested Stuart.
