The UK Government must commit towards investing in the renewable energy market, according to Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse.

With an annual turnover of £5.4 billion in 2014, and 14,000 people employed across the market, renewable energy sources form a major industrial sector in Scotland.

Minister Wheelhouse has now called on the UK Government to ensure investment in the sector is a key feature of its new Modern Industrial Strategy.

Announcing the Strategy today, 23 February, Prime Minister Theresa May highlighted the need for delivering 'affordable' energy and clean growth in Britain's post-Brexit economy.

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However, Mr Wheelhouse said the UK Government needs to remove uncertainty around timing and eligibility of renewable projects across various sectors, including Remote Island Wind, onshore wind, wave and tidal.

"Scotland's renewable sector, and all who work in it or who supply the sector, need the same level of commitment from the UK Government which, despite our repeated calls, has failed to match our level of ambition and indeed since the 2015 general election they have cut support dramatically for hydro and wind energy projects," he said.

"For our renewable industry to thrive, and to continue to contribute economic growth and tax revenues the UK Government must acknowledge the compelling economic arguments for continued investment and support.

"Scotland has a pipeline of consented projects awaiting final investment decisions. I would like to see these projects, which would provide hundreds of millions of pounds of engineering and construction activity, developed at the earliest opportunity and at the lowest cost to the consumer."

(LM/MH)