Scottish offshore wind-farm announcement - WWF comment
8 January 2010
Responding to the announcements today on the winners of the rights to build offshore wind-farms around the coast of Scotland, Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said:
“This announcement is great news and is an important part of Scotland’s renewable energy jigsaw. At peak output these turbines will be able to supply all of Scotland's electricity needs. And that is just from one form of renewable energy at a few sites. Combined with energy from wave, tidal, hydro, biomass and solar Scotland is heading for a 100% renewable energy future and a major role as an exporters of green electricity.
“Given Scotland’s huge renewable potential it would be crazy for Scotland to even consider new nuclear or old style coal fired power stations.
“Renewable energy has a critical role to play in helping Scotland reduce our climate change emissions. Given the huge renewable resource available around our coast and strong skills in offshore engineering marine energy offers a fantastic opportunity for Scotland to create jobs, pioneer new technology and make green electivity. With careful planning we can fully tap into offshore wind, wave and tidal power while also safeguarding the nation's tremendous marine environment and species.
"With the strong showing by Scottish companies in schemes all around the UK there is a major opportunity to make sure Scotland's manufacturing and offshore industry is the first choice for delivering all of these offshore windfarms."
Last year, WWF Scotland along with other organisations published a report showing that a truly sustainable energy future is achievable for Scotland, meeting climate change, renewable energy and energy saving targets and creating new economic opportunities and jobs while protecting sensitive environments and maintaining security of supply. [2]
Notes to Editors
[1] Scottish Government press release
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/01/08110930
[2] Power of Scotland Renewed
http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/powerofscotland_renewed.pdf
[3] WWF Scotland is part of Stop Climate Chaos, an alliance of development, environment and civil society groups aiming for tougher action to reduce emissions - http://stopclimatechaosscotland.org
