Scotland confirms plans for 10% cut to onshore wind support

Jul 24, 2012 - The Scottish government plans to reduce support for the onshore wind sector by 10%, changing the Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) band to 0.9 from April next year, First Minister Alex Salmond confirmed on Monday.

Salmond called on the UK government to follow suit and confirm the levels of support for the industry, ending an uncertainty that is putting future investment at risk.

The 10% cut is in line with proposals in the consultation on the matter. In a letter to UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey, published on the Scottish government's website, Salmond indicated he was not aware of any evidence to justify further reduction.

His move comes after an announcement by the UK Department for Energy and Climate Change that it would delay its decision on the Renewables Obligation review. Salmond said the delay had caused anxiety among stakeholders and developers, heightened by press leaks that the UK government was looking at lower support for onshore wind than initially proposed.

"The continuing uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the Renewables Obligation reviews upon which both Governments have consulted risks undermining significantly our ability to meet our shared renewable energy aims," Salmond said.

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