McMillan Speaks Out on Inverclyde Renewable Energy Potential

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) this week spoke in the Scottish Parliament on the Electricity Market Reform currently being tackled both in Holyrood and Westminster.

During his speech Mr. McMillan highlighted the case for Inverclyde's renewable potential with assistance from the much disputed Fossil Fuel Levy. Earlier in the week Mr. McMillan questioned the thinking behind the UK Government's proposals to use the Levy for a Green Investment Bank;

"If the Fossil Fuel Levy were invested now it could open up even more possibilities in Inverclyde. Inverclyde narrowly missed out against more developed locations for resources from the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund (NRIF). I was disappointed it missed out, but it was against other areas that were more developed.

"Who is to say that if the Fossil Fuel Levy came to Scotland now, then some of it may find its way to help Inverclyde become a renewable hub that it has the potential to become? We have the core facilities and with a bit of investment on the waterfront, Inverclyde could be on the cusp of a renewable boom.

"How can any politician sell to the people of Inverclyde that we should wait for a few years for the Green Investment Bank to be established, with a capitalisation of £1bn with a guaranteed investment of £250m for Scotland but at the same time, bankers may well be paid obscene bonuses and if the bank fails in the future, they will need to go to the taxpayer for a bailout?

"I, along with many others, see the potential Inverclyde has to become a renewable hub and hope that clarification can be sought on various issues surrounding the UK Government wisdom behind neglecting that future".