The UK and Scottish governments have confirmed their ongoing support towards delivering the renewable energy potential of the Scottish islands.
The reaffirmation comes following the third meeting of the Scottish Island Renewables Delivery Forum.
At the meeting, Ed Davey, the UK's Energy and Climate Change Secretary, said he recognised the importance to developers of government support for renewable energy projects with long lead times, and as a result, the DECC intend to announce further strike prices for a number of technologies for 2019/20 and 2020/21 in July, including Scottish islands onshore wind.
He added that the government would work with the EU in an attempt to secure State Aid approval. These actions could help unlock further opportunities for island developers to apply for contracts-for-difference (CfD) support later this year.
In addition to the above, both governments agreed to continue efforts to deliver a research and development funding proposal in order to secure future grid access for marine technologies on Orkney.
Commenting on the developments, Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing said: "I am delighted that the UK and Scottish Governments have agreed a joint statement of intent, and that the Secretary of State has committed to publishing important information in July on availability of support.
"This announcement will be a huge boost for developers, and of course for the island councils who have pushed hard to secure this commitment. It signals a clear demonstration of political will that the transmission owner and the regulator have stated is necessary to progress the case for the island grid links.
"I have made connecting the Scottish islands a top priority because of the enormous clean and affordable energy potential, but also because of the substantial opportunity for island communities to benefit.
"This is a significant step towards realising our joint ambitions and we will look to drive forward further progress through the Delivery Forum, which will convene again in the spring."
(JP/IT)
Construction News
19/01/2015
Continued Support For Islands' Energy Potential

29/04/2025
Albyn Housing Society, a major social housing provider operating across the Highlands, is expanding its portfolio to the Isle of Skye for the first time.
The society, which manages almost 3,900 properties across 80 rural communities on the mainland, will soon hand over seven new affordable homes i

29/04/2025
As SP Energy Networks progresses with its ambitious £10.6 billion investment plan (RIIO-T3) to upgrade Central and Southern Scotland's electricity transmission network between 2026 and 2031, a new independent report has shed light on the costs and characteristics of various transmission technologies

29/04/2025
Casey Gardner, a 19-year-old apprentice painter and decorator from Fife, is set to represent Scotland in the national final of the prestigious 2025 PDA Premier Trophy Awards – Apprentice of the Year Competition.
Ms Gardner secured her place after a successful performance in the Regional Heat held

29/04/2025
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, has been named Business Leader of the Year at an awards ceremony held at the EICC in Edinburgh. Mr Anderson was chosen from a shortlist of eight company leaders, including representatives from The Ivy Collection, Greggs, Cazenove Capital, and the Mur

29/04/2025
Significant progress has been made this week on major development plans for the strategically important Hunterston site in North Ayrshire.
Members of the council's Planning Committee approved proposals for the creation of a salmon rearing facility at the location.
The applicants, Bakkafrost Scotl

29/04/2025
The local community in Innerleithen, including pupils from St Ronan's Primary School and local councillors have celebrated the official reopening of the village's play park following significant improvement works.
The much-anticipated upgrades to the facility include extensive drainage work and the

29/04/2025
Craigtoun Country Park, a popular destination near St Andrews, is poised to see a significant upgrade to its beloved Dutch Village situated on the boating lake. The structure is set to undergo essential repairs, including new rendering and roof tiles, thanks to newly secured funding.
Fife Council h

29/04/2025
Residents of the Kirkton area of Dundee are a step closer to a new community centre following the allocation of £1.5 million in funding. The money has been awarded to local charity Kirkton Community Centre SCIO through the UK Government's Community Regeneration Partnership (CRP).
The funding will e

29/04/2025
Gas network operator SGN has been lauded for its exceptional commitment to customer service, securing four prestigious gold awards at the CCA Global Excellence Awards 2025 ceremony held in Glasgow last night. The accolades affirm SGN's position as industry leaders in customer care and innovation.
T

29/04/2025
A collaborative effort involving public, private, and academic organisations has culminated in the launch of a ten-year strategy aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth across the Highlands and Islands. The Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership (HIREP) has unveiled its Regional