WEIR WELCOMES GRID LINKS ACROSS THE IRISH SEA

WEIR WELCOMES GRID LINKS ACROSS THE IRISH SEA

The progression of plans to build an offshore electricity transmission network linking Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland have been hailed by SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson Mike Weir MP as the Scottish Government backed project moves into new phase with a feasibility study.

Mr Weir, a member of the Commons Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, said:

“This grid will maximise use of renewable energy from wind and wave power in Scotland, and export that vast resource across the Irish Sea. Better and stronger interconnection will also help ensure security of Scotland's energy supply and this announcement is a terrific step forward.

"The Scottish Government is making investments in Scotland's energy potential as part of Europe's Economic Recovery Plan, including in a groundbreaking offshore transmission hub off the north coast of Scotland.

"Harnessing Scotland's green wind and marine energy potential has the potential to create thousands of green jobs across the country, while providing a long term platform for sustainable growth.

"Scotland boasts 25 per cent of Europe's offshore wind and tidal resources and 10 per cent of wave potential and can make a significant difference in meeting the climate change goals which are due to be agreed in Copenhagen later this month. And our Climate Change Act, passed earlier this year, is the most ambitious in the industrialised world, committing to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020 and by 80 per cent by 2050.

"Scotland is taking a global lead on the fight against climate change and is working hard with our partners across Europe, and the world, to develop green economic opportunities for Scotland and a sustainable future for our planet."