Call for clarity over green energy amid Brexit

The future of green power in Scotland should not be jeopardised by repercussions of the Brexit vote, according to renewables industry leaders.

Niall Stuart said progress must be maintained. Picture: contributed

At a conference staged by the trade body Scottish Renewables, chief executive Niall 
Stuart said Westminster must not “get in the way” of progress in the sector as the process of quitting the EU begins.

He also called for clarity for the industry, which has been in turmoil since the Tories announced plans to slash subsidies for renewable energy last year.

Experts have warned the cuts could see a loss of up to £3 billion in investment and put more than 5,000 jobs at risk.

“The many questions thrown up by Brexit just add to the huge uncertainty that was already surrounding Scotland’s renewable energy sector following numerous changes to support by the Westminster government over the last 12 months,” Mr Stuart said.

He added: “Confidence amongst most of our members is incredibly fragile right now, and we need clear leadership at Westminster and Holyrood if we are to deliver further growth, to protect the many thousands of jobs supported by the industry, and to deliver the change in our energy sector that the people of Scotland want to see.”