Ewing To Hold 'Crisis Talks' Over Renewables Cuts

The Scottish Government has announced it is to hold crisis talks to discuss the impact of onshore windfarm subsidies being scrapped.

Westminster is cutting the funds 1 year early, claiming Scotland has already hit it's target to supply 100% of its energy needs from renewables. Holyrood denies this. 

The energy minister, Fergus Ewing, will meet with key players in the renewables sector in July to hear their concerns. He met Amber Rudd, the UK energy secretary, earlier this week in London and invited her to Scotland to see for herself the impact this decision will have in Scotland. This follows Mr Ewing meeting with the Inverness Chamber of Commerce and the renewables industry last week which was an opportunity listen to their concerns about the impact on both developers and the supply chain.

Niall Stuart, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: 

"The recent announcement to close the Renewables Obligation to onshore wind has caused a huge amount of disquiet within the industry, and threatens significant levels of investment, employment and renewable power generation. This is a key issue for everyone with an interest in renewable energy development in Scotland and the summit will be an important opportunity for our members to put over their questions, comments and concerns to the Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism as we seek to find a way to ensure the sustainable growth of our onshore wind industry."