Ewing Holds Emergency Wind Summit

The Scottish energy minister is meeting with representatives from the renewables sector to discuss the impact of onshore wind subsidies being scrapped.

Fergus Ewing is meeting 130 businesses and communities affected by the cuts. It is thought the decision by Westminster could cost Scotland £3 billion in lost investment and put around 3000 jobs at risk. The UK Government’s decision has been met with outcry by the Scottish renewables industry.

Speaking before the meeting, Mr Ewing said: "We fundamentally disagree with the UK Government’s decision to prematurely end support under the Renewables Obligation for the onshore wind sector and today’s meeting is an opportunity to hear about the impact this will have. This is exactly the sort of meeting the UK Government should have held before making their announcement which ignored the concerns of many businesses, organisations and communities across Scotland. 

"There are many communities and companies who have invested significant amounts of money in renewables schemes and have now found the goal posts have been move, putting crucial investment and jobs at risk. I am keen to listen to their concerns, understand the impact and continue to work together in making representations to the UK Government.