McMillan Welcomes Scottish Government Energy Consultation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Member of the Scottish Parliament Energy Committee has today (Tuesday) welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government's energy consultation.

The document titled Securing the Benefits of Scotland's Next Energy Revolution is consulting on how the development of renewable and low carbon energy can be supported, while ensuring that Scotland and its local communities enjoy long-term returns from the assets on their door step.

Mr McMillan said;

"This consultation document encourages local communities and organisations to make their views known, to the Scottish Government, on how the renewables revolution can benefit the local economy and wider afield.

"Here in Inverclyde we have great potential to tap into the renewables sector and create employment opportunities. I know Riverside Inverclyde are working hard to harness this potential and bring much needed employment to the area.

"It is only right that a country with plentiful natural resources such as Scotland seeks to ensure that its people benefit through a sustainable and lasting legacy.

"Therefore, I hope people will respond to the Scottish Government's consultation and make their views known about Scotland's long-term sustainable energy prospects."

Notes;

Background

The consultation Securing the Benefits of Scotland's Next Energy Revolution can be accessed online at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/Current

Scotland is estimated to have around a quarter of Europe's offshore wind and tidal resource, 10 per cent of European wave energy potential and the EU's largest capacity for offshore storage of carbon dioxide.

The Crown Estate Commissioners in Scotland manage the sea bed up to 12 miles from shore as well as the foreshore and some on-land assets. Their activities are the responsibility of UK Government and, as such, are not accountable to Scottish Ministers or the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Government is aiming for 80 per cent of the demand for Scottish electricity to be supplied from renewable sources by 2020, with an interim milestone of 31 per cent by 2011. Find out more at: http://www.blogger.com/www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Action