Tories want more use of fossil fuel

Jan 28 2013

Wind farms should be substantially cut and fossil fuels such as shale gas should be exploited, according to a review of Scottish Conservative energy policy.

The shake-up calls for councils to be given the power to halt all wind farm applications for a year and suggests homeowners should be compensated for loss value because of turbines.

The party says it wants to shift the balance away from onshore wind to other renewable sources. New nuclear power stations should also be built to replace Hunterston B and Torness.

Tory leader Ruth Davidson unveiled the policy review in Falkirk. "This is a comprehensive review of Scotland's energy needs, which does not focus narrowly on one particular part of the industry to meet demand. Crucial to keeping the lights on in years to come is an energy mix made up of renewables, nuclear and oil and gas. If we get this balance right then we can minimise the cost for consumers and the impact on our communities up and down the country."

The SNP Government is opposed to new nuclear power in Scotland and set a 100% renewable electricity target for 2020, based on the current level of consumption.

In October last year First Minister Alex Salmond announced a new goal to meet half of Scotland's electricity demand from renewable energy by 2015.

The Conservative review, called Power with Responsibility, set out a wide range of policies. They include a clearer taxation regime to encourage shale gas and coal-bed methane exploration, changes to planning laws to help improve energy efficiency in older buildings and more support for wave, tidal, hydro and carbon-capture and storage schemes.

Scottish Liberal Democrat energy spokesperson Liam McArthur said: "Achieving our climate change and emissions-reduction targets is going to be tough. However, these targets are supported by all the main parties in Scotland, including the Tories, and meeting them will require our renewable energy resources to be fully exploited. The Tories should think carefully about the increasingly hostile and populist rhetoric they are using in relation to wind energy. Undermining confidence and therefore investment in the sector will do nothing for jobs and wealth creation, or our efforts to de-carbonise our economy. It may also put at risk our ability to achieve our statutory commitments."

Energy minister Fergus Ewing said: "These proposals are ill-thought through, contradict UK Government policy and demonstrate a general ignorance about energy policy and the renewables industry. In Scotland we have enviable green energy resources which are delivering jobs and investment to communities across the country. It's ironic these plans are announced on the day Scottish Renewables figures show £165 million has been invested in Scotland's offshore wind sector."

He said about two-thirds of windfarm applications are accepted on appeal and pointed out that there is already guidance that suggests a two-kilometre barrier between wind farms and settlements. "In contrast to these flawed proposals, this Government is working to ensure Scotland continues to be a leader in the development of renewables so we can meet global emission reduction targets, enhance security of supply, lower relative costs to households and secure jobs and investment to Scotland as part of our ongoing shift to a low carbon economy."