The Enterprise and Culture Committee of the Scottish Parliament has issued its Renewable Energy report. In the report it calls on the Scottish Executive and Westminster to develop a "fully-fledged" energy policy, and criticises the over emphasis on onshore wind farms among current developments and proposals.

The Committee took extensive evidence from all sides of the debate between November 2003 and January 2004. Vice-convener, Mike Watson MSP said "The strength of the evidence was such that the Committee, despite different political perspectives found no difficulty in reaching a common view – our report is unanimous."

The comments in the report include:

• The Executive's 2010 target of 18% of electricity generated in Scotland to come from renewable sources by 2010 will be met. However, the increase will come almost entirely from onshore wind generation. This over-reliance on one source of renewable energy is not good energy policy.

• It is generally accepted that there is a lack of guidance on planning issues regarding windfarms. The Executive must take an active lead and develop a national strategic framework for wind farm applications.

• There should be a shift in focus from large onshore wind farms to other forms of renewable power. The committee particularly came out in support of further development of marine sources.

• The Executive should create a comprehensive Scottish energy policy, which would take account of the UK context and the areas in which it operates in co-operation with Westminster.

• Energy conservation must be a key part of a Scottish energy policy.

The full report can be read in full on the Scottish Parliament website:
Enterprise Committee News Release
Scottish Parliament’s report on Renewable Energy in Scotland
Renewable Energy inquiry homepage

30 June 04

MCofS windfarm pages