CLIMATE REPORT UNDERLINES URGENCY OF TACKLING TRANSMISSION BARRIER

CLIMATE REPORT UNDERLINES URGENCY OF TACKLING TRANSMISSION BARRIER

Following the publication today (Monday) of a report by the Committee on Climate Change Westminster Energy Spokesperson Mike Weir MP has renewed calls on the UK Government to press Ofgem on transmission charges – which currently acts as a barrier to renewables development.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) is an independent body established under the Climate Change Act to advise the UK Government on setting carbon budgets, and today’s report warns a step change is needed to meet reduction targets, particularly in the de carbonisation of energy.

Mr Weir said:

“The ludicrous system of transmission charges is clearly one of the barriers that acts against the development of our huge renewable energy potential. If we are to have any chance to meet these targets urgent action is needed to scrap this system and introduce a fairer equal access scheme.

“Scotland has the strongest climate change legislation in the world but transmission charges are a reserved matter and the UK Government must press Ofgem to take action immediately.”

Mr Weir also urged the UK Government to speed up the development of Carbon Capture and Storage. Mr Weir added:

“The report makes clear that clean coal technology has a big role to play in our energy future. It is therefore absolutely vital that we have increased action to ensure the development and deployment of carbon capture and storage, particularly on existing plants.

“Scottish Power’s project at Longannet is well on the way to showing this process in action and should be given every help by government.”