Press Release
Comhairle Bids For Energy
Innovation Zone
Comhairle nan Eilean
Siar today proposed that the Western Isles become the alternative
energy capital of Europe, with the potential for up to 1000 jobs over
future years for the islands.
The Comhairle aims to
work with government, industry and academia to designate the Western
Isles as an Energy Innovation Zone. The Zone would have a regime of
incentives to promote research, development and production in all
aspects of renewable energy - including generation, transmission,
storage and use.
Comhairle Convener Alex
MacDonald said: "The Western Isles are ideally placed to capitalise
on the alternative energy market with our wind, wave and tidal resources.
Now is the time to make it a reality. We will be consulting government,
industry and others to look at our proposals to introduce a scheme
to make the Western Isles a designated energy zone. There are a range
of incentives which could be introduced to make the islands attractive
to companies to locate here. Examples could include business tax relief
for alternative energy projects, non domestic rate rebate for up to
20 years and national insurance relief for locally based staff. At
a local level there could be tax relief for electric/alternative energy
vehicles and tax exemptions for energy ‘filling stations’."
Vice Convener Roddy Murray
added: "We would also aim to build a renewables friendly infrastructure
and attract private finance to stimulate research and development.
We will be consulting the key players and we will be putting firm
proposals to government. The Time Is Right and the campaign starts
here to help find the answers to the UK’s long term energy problems
and simultaneously bring about the regeneration and the prosperity
that the people of the Western Isles deserve".
Chairman of the Comhairle’s
Working Party on Alternative Energy, Cllr. Donald M. Mackay said:
"There is a marvellous opportunity for the Western Isles to become
the centre of renewable energy bringing with it the economic means
for the islands to stand on their own feet. It is vital that we persuade
the government and others that this is the means by which we can meet
the long term need for renewable energy and bring about the economic
regeneration of our islands".
