Sturgeon demands Scots renewables assurances

Nicola Sturgeon has called for action from the new Tory government to safeguard the future of Scotland’s flagship renewables industry and save closure-threatened Longannet Power Station.

Picture: PA

The First Minister wants a “new approach” to the UK’s relationship with Scotland on energy issues. This includes assurances over subsidies for green energy schemes and an end to the extra costs they face if they are located in remote areas.

After chairing a meeting of the Scottish Energy Advisory Board today, Ms Sturgeon said: “I am calling on the UK to take a much more collegiate approach to policy-making on energy and ensure proper consultation with the Scottish Government on major areas of energy policy.”

She called for assurances that Westminster will not change subsidies for onshore wind farms without agreement from Scottish Ministers. The First Minister is also calling on David Cameron to consider “all possible options” to avert the premature closure of Longannet Power Station after it was announced it would probably close next year.