Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) is requesting a meeting with the new Secretary of State for Business and Energy, Greg Clark MP, to discuss the Western Isles' contribution towards the UK's green energy targets.

CNES Leader Angus Campbell said with the right investment, the islands renewable energy developments "could grow rapidly" by the early 2020s.

"There are many issues which we would like to discuss, not least how best to realise the vast renewable opportunities we have here in the Western Isles and the need for a new interconnector," he said.

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"The Western Isles have an unrivalled wind energy resource and the local community is keen to harness that energy, both to make a secure contribution to the UK's green energy targets and to stimulate new economic and social regeneration.

"With appropriate investment in grid infrastructure and generating assets, renewable energy development on the islands could grow rapidly by the early 2020s. We would also wish to discuss the delay in signing off on the State Aid application and the significant concern that this has caused, particularly after it was stated last year that the process would take around two months to be concluded.

"An announcement about the next CfD (Contract for Difference) auction to be held at the end of 2016, will be critical to the delivery of the new Prime Minister's commitment to support island renewables."

(LM/MH)