Tories 'crippling Scotland's renewables sector,' says SNP

The Scottish National Party has today welcomed the news that wind power output in Scotland leapt to over two-fifths last month compared to the same period in 2016 with wind power providing more than Scotland’s total electricity needs on four separate days in February.

The figures, released today by WWF Scotland, underline the benefit of the renewables sector to Scotland’s economy but come after a recent poll found one in six renewable jobs in Scotland are at risk due to the UK government’s “deeply damaging” energy policy.

Ivan McKee MSP said:

“It is fantastic that Scotland is harnessing wind power to meet and exceed our electricity needs. These latest figures show that this industry has an amazing future - but it is clear that by cutting subsidies and favouring nuclear power, Tory energy policy is deeply damaging for Scotland’s thriving renewables sector.

“The SNP in Government recognises the vital role renewables have to play in our continued economic prosperity and in protecting our environment which is why the draft Scottish Energy Strategy has already proposed an ambitious but achievable goal of a 50% renewables target.

“There are around 21,000 people working in Scotland’s renewables sector who are doing a fantastic job and deserve to have the confidence of the UK government as well instead of facing cut after cut, putting at risk jobs and livelihoods.

“The Tories must demonstrate they are committed to developing an effective, sustainable energy policy framework that will help cut energy bills and safeguard our environment for future generations. and I hope the Chancellor will deliver this by setting out ambitious proposals to secure our renewables sector in Wednesday’s Budget.”