Na h-Eileanan and SNP MP Angus MacNeil has expressed disappointment and frustration that the UK Government is continuing to hinder renewable energy projects in the islands.

Mr MacNeil has supported calls from The Scottish Government and island council leaders for progress to be made in supporting island based projects and had written to UK Energy Minister Amber Rudd MP urging immediate action to ensure future connections to the grid.

Mr MacNeil said:

“The UK Government was to formally seek the approval of the European Commission’s state aid approval for a scheme which will ensure island renewable projects are eligible for a Contract for Difference (CfD) which will make community projects feasible in terms of security of revenues.

“I have been pressing the Department of Energy & Climate Change to confirm when this application would be submitted to the European Commission and it is deeply disappointing to receive confirmation from DECC that they are unable to give precise times of when this will be submitted.

“DECC tell me that they will shortly publish the decisions about the Contracts for Difference allocations round planned for later this year for all less established technologies in pot 2, including draft strike prices, as appropriate.

“I will continue to maintain pressure on DECC to confirm their position.”

ENDS