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Seachange For Western Isles |
21 March 2003 |
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Minister outlines major new developments in renewable energy Energy Minister Brian Wilson today outlined the pivotal role the Highlands and Islands of Scotland will play in securing Britain's future energy needs. Speaking at a major conference on renewable energy on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, the Minister announced £19 million in new funding packages from both the Government and the private sector, to encourage the rapid development of renewable energy - and particularly wave and tidal technology. The Minister said: "For the first time, a UK Government is putting the environment at the heart of its energy policy. We have put ourselves on a path to cutting our carbon emissions by 60% by the year 2050. Renewables are going to play a fundamental role in helping us to meet this target. "These islands are surrounded by some of the best renewable resources in Europe, with strong prevailing winds and the power of the ocean. Today we are contemplating the real possibility that these islands could become a power house on the periphery, making a serious and environmentally sustainable contribution to the energy needs of the whole nation. That is a prize worth pursuing." The Minister hailed the "excellent progress" being made in developing major wind farms on the Isle of Lewis, which when built, could provide over 1000 mega watts of energy -equivalent to 1% of the UK's total energy needs, and provide hundreds of manufacturing jobs. However, the Minister was keen to point out the viability of other forms of renewable energy on the islands - particularly wave and tidal power - sometimes seen as the 'poor relation' of renewable generation, and announced his support for new initiatives to promote new technology in this area. From the public purse, the Minister announced:
The Minister also announced investment from the commercial sector, outlining details of a new joint venture between Scottish & Southern Energy and Weir Group to develop new technology and prototype wave power schemes, worth up to £10 million. "This is the biggest investment we have seen so far in wind and tidal energy, " said Mr Wilson. "We see it as a real breakthrough and a ringing endorsement of our policy of backing renewables. To get companies of this standing to move into the sector will give a lead to others. This new money is to ensure in the short term that we can maintain the momentum which has been created. "The big drive to take wave power off the drawing board and into the water is really under way." The Minister said the signals for the future development of renewables were 'encouraging', and pledged continued support from the Government, both in terms of policy and financial incentives, to encourage a "climate of confidence" in the young industry. He acknowledged that a fundamental overhaul of the electricity transmission system would be essential if the energy generated by new renewable technologies in remote areas such as the Western Isles would benefit the UK as a whole. "There are massive challenges still to be overcome. I cannot emphasise strongly enough the point that there is no point in generating power - indeed, there is no prospect of that happening -unless we can ensure as part of the same package that it is capable of being carried to the markets which require it. Infrastructure is all. We must rewire Britain to adapt to the age of renewables and of distributed generation. This is key to ensuring our White Paper ambitions are fulfilled. I intend to ensure that we do not fail them". Notes to Editors 1. Brian Wilson was speaking at the Creating sustainable futures conference, at Lews Castle College, Stornoway, Lewis, hosted by the Western Isles Alternative and Renewable Energy Partnership. For more information, contact Nigel Scott, Western Isles Council, Tel: 01851 709389 or visit www.cne-siar.gov.uk/wiarep/creatingsf/htm 2. The Government published the Energy White Paper, Our energy future -creating a low carbon economy on 24 February 2003. Press copies are available from the DTI Press Office, or online at www.dti.gov.uk/energy/whitepaper/index.shtml 3. Gaelic versions of the White Paper summary are available from the DTI Press Office, Tel: 020 7215 6407, or from DTI Publications orderline, Tel: 0870 1502500. 4. For more information about the DTI's support for renewable energy, or for an interview with Brian Wilson, contact Nicola Savage, DTI Press Office, Tel: 07785 316 846. Press Enquiries: 020-7215 6407/ 5960 / 5977 (Out of Hours : 020-7215 3234/ 3505) Public Enquiries: 020-7215 5000 Textphone (for people with hearing impairments): 020-7215 6740 Department of Trade and Industry ENDS |
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Ag Obair Còmhla
Airson Nan Eilean - Working Together For The Western Isles
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