But the GMB union argues that we need more than renewable energy to keep the UK’s lights on
Community energy can go from strength to strength following a strong year for the sector, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said yesterday. From large scale wind farms to small scale hydro projects, over £10 million was last year ploughed back into communities from renewable sources.
Mr Ewing hailed recent achievements in the sector as he looked ahead to further benefits for Scotland’s communities in 2016:
154 projects are on the community renewables register, with over £10 million paid out this year to communities from renewables developments
The target for community or local ownership of renewables was met five years early, with 508 Megawatts of capacity now operational, exceeding the 500 Megawatts target by 2020.
The Scottish Government’s first ever Community Energy Policy Statement was published in September, promoting the economic and social benefits of shared energy ownership.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said:
“2015 was a bumper year for community energy and 2016 can be just as exciting.
“Our national guidance and support is encouraging more and more developers to increase the value of the community benefits they offer and consider community ownership – I want to see even more communities reap the benefits of owning and hosting small scale renewables
“Community energy can cut costs for consumers, create new revenue streams to transform communities and play a leading role in tackling climate change.
“Over £10 million a year from onshore renewable projects is now going straight back into people’s hands, empowering people to make the most of their own local resources.
“Benefits ploughed back into communities can fund all sorts of schemes, from energy efficiency and fuel poverty programmes to befriending projects which reduce isolation for elderly people.
“Scotland leads the way in the UK on local and community ownership of renewable energy and we are providing the best possible environment to help ambitious community groups reap the benefits. I want to see even more communities take decisions about their local energy system and to have an economic stake in new developments.”
Chris Morris, Local Energy Scotland Manager said: “We are delighted to see that the income communities receive from renewable energy projects is now over £10 million per year. We provide a range of support through the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme to help communities to maximise the local benefit from renewable energy whether that’s support to a community to build their own small hydro power scheme or help them to invest in a commercial wind farm.”
However The GMB trade union is warning that renewables alone cannot meet the country’s energy needs.
They say that so far this winter – since the beginning of October to 21 December – there have been 12 days when the output of the installed and connected wind turbines in the UK have produced 10% or less of the installed and connected capacity of 8,972MW.
Paul Kenny, GMB General Secretary, said “There were 12 days so far this winter when wind was supplying 10% or less of the installed and connected wind capacity to the grid. On 4th November National Grid had to invoke special measures to keep the lights on.
There can be up to eight to ten days per month when there is not a lot of output from the 8.9GW of installed and connected wind capacity in the UK.
“GMB will publish a regular wind watch to assist public debate. The renewables lobby has to face up to the need for a base load electricity capacity that is reliable and clean on the days that the wind does not blow and the sun doesn’t shines.
“When your electricity supply has “Gone with the Wind” the response of the renewable energy suppliers that “frankly my dear we don’t give a damn” is just not acceptable.
“639,000 GMB members want the keep the lights on. Unless there is a scientific breakthrough on carbon capture nuclear and gas are the only shows in town. Those advocating renewable energy have to accept this”.
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