LONGANNET CLOSURE INEVITABLE SO SPEED UP CHANGE
Ahead of an energy debate at Holyrood today, the Greens say that the focus should be on securing a new, clean energy system rather than on keeping one of Europe's most polluting power stations, Longannet, in operation.
The Greens' amendment to today's Conservative-led debate sets out their alternative for a modern energy system based on:
- a greater focus on energy efficiency and demand reduction
- increased energy storage
- a new North Sea transmission grid
- low-carbon energy generation with greater community ownership
The Greens are also welcoming the announcement of the budget for Wave Energy Scotland, the body set up in the wake of the collapse of leading Scottish company Pelamis.
Patrick Harvie, Green MSP said:
"It is inevitable that Longannet will have to close, both because of its age and because of our critically important climate change commitments. Politicians to need be honest with those workers and communities affected and set out a plan for creating secure jobs from new energy opportunities.
"Greens have a plan for a clean and modern energy system, but it needs both the UK and Scottish Government to focus far more on reducing energy use, backing the full range of renewables, and stop trying to prop up our fossil fuel economy.
"It's good to finally get some detail about Government support for wave energy, but Ministers must stop sending mixed messages about public investment. Globally there is a gigantic financial prize to be won if we can get marine technology right so let's stop the subsidies for fossil fuels and ramp up green investment."