WWF warns oil will prevail in clash with wind over leasing

Published on Tuesday 2 November 2010 17:43

THE row between the oil industry and renewable energy firms has intensified amid claims that wind farm companies building offshore risk having their leases terminated without compensation if oil and gas companies want the seabed for exploration, drilling or pipelines.

WWF Scotland warned that the current leasing terms - which stipulate that any contract to use part of the seabed for renewables must include a clause saying all or part of its site would be given up if oil companies wanted access - could undermine plans to tackle climate change and create green jobs.

The charity's criticism came as Alex Salmond revealed plans for a summit between the oil and gas and renewables industry in Aberdeen next month, chaired by oil industry giant Sir Ian Wood alongside Ian Marchant, chief executive of Scottish & Southern Energy.

Dr Richard Dixon, director of WWF Scotland, warned that the "bias" towards the oil and gas sector could damage chances of growing the renewables sector.

"Businesses hate uncertainty, and Scotland's young offshore renewable industry could be stalled before it really gets going unless these pro-oil and gas clauses are removed from all existing and future leases," he said.

However, Oil & Gas UK, which represents companies working in the industry, insisted it was looking for co-operation with green energy firms.

David Odling, Oil & Gas UK's energy policy manager, said Oil & Gas UK held a "helpful" joint workshop last month with RenewableUK.