Renewable Energy (Western Isles)
I will pause for a moment to allow members to leave quietly. [Interruption.] Order. Would those who are not waiting for the members' business debate please clear the chamber now, so that we may start.
The final item of business is a members' business debate on motion S1M-2588, in the name of Alasdair Morrison, on renewable energy in the Western Isles.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes the development of the proposed renewable energy projects on the Isle of Lewis; recognises the substantial potential socio-economic and environmental benefits that they offer; congratulates the Stornoway Trust Estate for its professional handling of developments to date, and believes that ministers and officials of the Scottish Executive and Her Majesty's Government should continue their excellent partnership working with all relevant agencies.
I am delighted that I have secured a debate on the subject of renewable energy, particularly in the context of my constituency of the Western Isles. The debate is an opportunity for me to highlight what has been done to date in the Western Isles. It is also another opportunity for the Scottish Executive to demonstrate its commitment to renewable energy.
We all know that the UK Government has intimated that it expects to create a £1 billion market for renewable energy by 2010. The main driver for that will be the renewables obligation, which will require electricity suppliers to source 10 per cent of their electricity from renewable sources. It is more than encouraging that a £260 million support programme has been provided over the next three years, of which £64 million will go towards wind energy. I am delighted that my constituency can be the source for the generation of many megawatts of electricity for many years.
The year 2001 ended on a high note for the Western Isles, when the chief executives of two blue-chip British companies, accompanied by the UK Minister of State for Industry, Energy and the Environment, Brian Wilson, travelled to Lewis to announce a £600 million wind farm development. The wind farm proposals outlined by AMEC and British Energy will transform the economic landscape of the Western Isles. They represent not only exciting proposals for the generation of electricity—there will be more than 200 windmills, generating some 600 megawatts of electricity—but also the largest-ever single inward investment in the Western Isles.
Last week, Brian Wilson made another significant announcement in the House of Commons when he indicated that Scottish and Southern Energy, in conjunction with the company Wavegen, hopes to build and install shore-based wave machines in the Western Isles, again generating electricity. I pay tribute to all the companies that are involved in those wave and wind plans and to the Minister of State for Industry, Energy and the Environment for their commitment to renewables and to the Western Isles.
Does the member agree that the exciting developments in his constituency are an excellent example of how Scotland is using the oil and gas expertise in the north-east of Scotland to benefit the rest of the country, by diversifying from oil and gas into renewables? One of the companies that is involved in the developments in the Western Isles is based in Aberdeen.
The proposals demonstrate clearly what can be achieved by partnership working between colleagues in the Scottish Executive and the UK Government.
The developments that we are debating are equivalent in scale and significance to the building of the hydro dams that transformed the Highlands and Islands from the middle of the last century. Those dams were built and delivered by the Labour party visionary Tom Johnston. We can now use the technology of the 21st century to supply power to meet not only our needs, but those of the biggest energy market in Europe, the south-east of England. That will require the laying of a subsea cable that will run from the Hebrides down the western seaboard to the north of Wales. Our colleagues at Westminster are pursuing that project. The three ministers who are present for tonight's debate will also be involved in the project.
I am absolutely delighted by the size and importance of this investment, from which not only the Western Isles will benefit. However, is the member satisfied that Scotland will derive direct financial benefit from the project?
This is a matter that affects the interests of my constituents. I can assure the member that at the end of last year it was stated in the Western Isles that the Stornoway Trust could accrue something in the region of £3 million in rent from the wind farm proposal.
One agency that I would like to single out for special tribute is the Stornoway Trust, which is landlord of Scotland's oldest democratically run estate. The trustees, who are elected by tenants, have, along with their factor Iain MacIver and his staff, been exceptional in their dealings with Government, the Scottish Executive, private companies and the local public sector development agency. As I said to Dr Ewing a few moments ago, if—or rather, when—the proposals come to fruition, the Stornoway Trust can expect to receive an annual rent in the region of £3 million. That clearly demonstrates the direct link between community ownership and economic development, which is why the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill is so crucial.
Does Alasdair Morrison agree that this project shows that community-owned estates and companies are at the forefront of providing renewable energy generation? For example, the Assynt Crofters Trust, which has been vilified lately, is involved in creating a hydro dam.
I certainly agree with what Rhoda Grant said. The reform of land ownership in Scotland has been a Labour party aspiration since the days of Keir Hardie. Last week, the historic bill on land reform began its passage through the Parliament. Along with our partnership colleagues, we will ensure that the bill will not be derailed or diluted by forces that, for generations, have stifled development as they greedily pursued their narrow ends. As Rhoda Grant rightly pointed out, there was a despicable smear campaign against the crofters of Assynt by landowner representatives, whose vain attempts to discredit the crofters who run that estate thankfully came to naught.
The wind and wave farm proposals have great economic significance. The prospect of re-establishing a manufacturing base at the Arnish yard in Lewis has been pursued aggressively since the yard's closure over two years ago, which was the result of a global downturn in oil fabrication. Today, that yard has a bright future. AMEC, British Energy, Wavegen and Scottish and Southern Electricity have all said that they wish the wave turbines to be constructed in the yard. Knowing that public funding will be required to equip the site and prepare it for manufacturing, I ask Allan Wilson to give me an assurance that he will work closely with the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning, who is seated to his right, to ensure that the refitting of the Arnish yard goes ahead.
I appreciate that the minister will not be able to respond to many of the planning and environmental matters tonight, but, on behalf of my constituents, I want to make a small point about the environment. We will not tolerate outside interference. We appreciate that everything must go through due planning process, but I remind the chamber that the Hebrides has a wonderful legacy in the shape of a pristine environment. It is worth recalling that the real friends of the earth have been the generations of island crofters and island fishermen.
Will the minister further assure me that Scottish Executive ministers will deal efficiently and sympathetically with all matters within their locus that relate to the wind farm proposals? I confidently predict that Allan Wilson, Lewis Macdonald and Wendy Alexander will not countenance any unnecessary delay, but will they ensure that the message gets through about the scale and significance of the proposals? The need for prompt and proper responses from all concerned is a priority.
I know that Allan Wilson appreciates the scale of what I have outlined tonight. He is well aware of the role of the Stornoway Trust and he appreciates the need to prepare the Arnish yard for the manufacturing of wind and wave turbines. Will he give me an update on the situation regarding the redevelopment of the site? Another issue of great importance is that a Scottish Executive official has worked closely with the Arnish development group. Will the minister ensure that that successful liaison continues and that an official attends all future meetings?
Other issues that relate to the Crown Estate commissioners are being pursued by my colleague Calum MacDonald, the MP for the Western Isles, who has already contacted the Treasury to ensure that the community gets a direct share in industry profits.
Finally, I extend an invitation to any of the ministers who are present tonight—indeed, to all three of them—to visit the Western Isles as soon as they can, so that they can see for themselves at first hand what we have debated tonight.
Eleven members have asked to speak. All can be included if speeches are kept to three minutes.
I welcome this debate and congratulate Alasdair Morrison on giving us the opportunity to discuss this subject. I wish that he had also invited me to visit the Western Isles.
The development in the Western Isles is hugely exciting. It brings with it the hope that Scotland will at last reap the benefits of our enormous renewable energy potential. Although it is true that many jobs will be created, equally significant is the fact, which Alasdair Morrison confirmed, that the project will have the capacity to produce 600 megawatts of clean green Scottish energy. That 600 megawatts, which represents about 10 per cent of Scotland's energy needs, is equivalent to half the electricity production of Torness but will cost only a fraction of what it cost to build Torness. When one considers the downsides of nuclear energy and the need to dispose of nuclear waste, there is no question but that renewable energy by far outstrips nuclear energy in terms of value for money.
Compared with nuclear energy, the environmental case for renewables is overwhelming and needs no further explanation but, given the scale of the development, that is not to say that Lewis will not have any environmental difficulties. Alasdair Morrison was right to say that we should let the people there decide what they want to do.
The Isle of Lewis project is a huge opportunity for renewables in Scotland. However, we have seen false dawns before. Companies have invested and people have been ready to go, but it has turned out to be yet another damp squib. We cannot let that be true on this occasion. We must maximise employment opportunities to the benefit of the whole Scottish economy. It would be a sin if the turbines to be driven by the Western Isles wind were to come from somewhere such as Denmark.
Denmark has reaped the economic benefits from the 15,000 jobs in wind turbine manufacture that should have been ours. With 25 per cent of Europe's potential for renewables, Scotland should have had a natural market. We cannot lose out on the next generation of renewables. This evening, I would like to hear from the ministers what the Executive's strategy will be to ensure that turbines are developed and manufactured in Scotland for the benefit of Scotland.
It can be only a matter of time before we have the announcement of the biggest offshore wind farm in Scotland. The Executive must ensure that Scotland is seen as Europe's green powerhouse not only on the supply side but on the manufacturing side.
The decision to base this project in the Western Isles is very much linked to the development of the Celtic ring, as discussed by Alasdair Morrison. I hope that the Celtic ring will become a reality for the grid as soon as possible. I hope that, in three years' time, it will not be floating about in the ether, like a lost copy of the West Highland Free Press.
Investment is needed now so that we can reap the rewards later. Such projects can breathe new life into communities that have real sustainability problems. In particular, they can breathe new life into places such as Lewis.
I thank Alasdair Morrison for the debate, but the big question remains: can we secure Scotland's share of the wealth that will be created and the revenue streams that will come from renewables facilities in future years? Or will the wealth of Scotland go straight back down to the UK Treasury in much the same way as oil wealth has done in the past? We cannot allow that to happen with Scotland's wind potential.
I congratulate Alasdair Morrison on raising the issue of renewable energy, which is of immense importance, particularly to people who live on the island of Lewis. Alasdair is indeed a modern-day Don Quixote—instead of tilting at windmills, he is encouraging them, and that is great news.
The Scottish Conservative party welcomes the proposals for the construction on the island of Lewis of the world's largest wind farm. The Conservative shadow energy spokesperson at Westminster, Robert Key, recently said that environmentally friendly, sustainable energy is not the dream that it was 20 years ago but a reality that we have to encourage. That will involve hard decisions and hard choices. Sometimes local environment must take second place and suffer some discomfort if the means justify the end. In this case, the end is a cleaner global environment for all.
However, great care and common sense must be applied in the location of wind farms so that the visual and noise impact is kept to a minimum. I live in Argyll and overlook a wind farm in the distance near Taynuilt. I do not find it obtrusive. Some local residents lost their television signals, but the wind farm company installed Sky Television services for them.
The proposed Lewis wind farm will bring huge benefits, initially in employment—especially if the Arnish yard, which now lies dormant, could be reopened for the assembly of the wind turbines. Arnish has traditionally been a main employer for Stornoway and it is sadly missed.
I have been involved in a successful campaign to locate a wind turbine manufacturing company at Machrihanish in Kintyre. That will bring great local benefit. It will also bring valuable technology transfer to Scotland from the Danish company that is undoubtedly the world leader in the field.
The argument for wind farms in the Scottish hills is strengthened when one considers that so much land is under huge blocks of Sitka spruce trees, which lock up land only to make a loss. That form of timber loses £1 a tonne when marketed. It would surely be much better to manufacture wind farm turbines and earn money for local residents and at the same time reopen previously forested land for other uses.
The Government has hard choices to make. Renewable wind energy is not a cheap option. The renewables obligation tax is proving to be a hurdle to green electricity suppliers. Also, suppliers of renewable energy are still awaiting renewables obligation certificates, which were promised for last October but are now promised for April. Why are they six months late? If the UK is to meet its 10 per cent renewable energy target by 2010, it must spend now to renew the grid, which in Scotland is sadly inadequate.
Lastly, on the Barvas moor project, why not consider the east coast of Lewis and the Ness moor, which provide at least 100 square miles of barely visible sites for wind turbines and numerous inlets for possible wave energy. As a by-product, the much debated and often shelved plan to link Tolsta to Ness with nine miles of road might also become a triumphant reality. That truly would be progress—a windfall from a wind farm.
We face a straightforward choice in meeting our Kyoto commitments. We either commit fully to developing a renewable energy industry in Scotland, with all the widespread economic and environmental benefits that it will bring, or we allow ever-increasing pressure from the nuclear lobby to push the Executive into developing new nuclear power stations that are expensive to run and operate, and leave a fearsome legacy for generations to come.
The development of the wind farm on Lewis must be whole-heartedly welcomed, but the Executive must try harder and offer greater incentives or the Scottish industry will miss the boat or—worse still—end up being wholly foreign owned, like many of our salmon farms. Only last Friday, the Irish announced the world's largest offshore wind farm, which is to be built on a sandbank in the Irish sea. It will produce 10 per cent of Ireland's electricity needs and reduce by 13 million tonnes the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per annum. Nothing quite so advanced has been proposed in Scotland. Why not?
We are talking about large-scale renewable energy projects, but Scotland must not ignore what smaller scale renewable energy could contribute to meeting our Kyoto targets. The Scottish Executive should actively encourage smaller scale renewable energy production by making it easier and cheaper to access the national grid and easier to gain planning approval.
One serious problem that many new alternative energy projects have to overcome is the nimby attitude. It needs to be recognised that some sites are not suitable for development, but in other areas objections are often raised on a personal level without bearing in mind the benefit to the community or country. The best way to overcome the initial resistance and gain support is to ensure that communities are involved with projects from the beginning and that they gain some benefit from their presence.
Another way to encourage new alternative energy projects is to examine the benefits of combining schemes with other infrastructure projects. In my constituency, there has been a proposal to combine bridging the Strome narrows at Stromeferry for both cars and rail with a tidal energy barrage. That would allow the building costs to be shared between the road, rail and energy companies, and provide an immediate revenue stream from the energy that is generated. Such projects must be considered and given a chance to succeed. The Executive must support such modest but potentially vital small projects, as they will all help to achieve our Kyoto targets. We must rise to the challenge and demonstrate that we have the potential to go beyond Kyoto and become the flagship renewable energy country of the 21st century.
Although this is an end-of-day debate and the issue that has been raised is a local constituency issue, what we do in the Parliament about renewables will be one of our longest and most important legacies. It is something of which collectively we could be proud.
Members have made the point about the importance of developing clean energy sources. We have talked about waste issues. We do not have those with renewable energy. We do not get the problems that we have had from our legacy of nuclear waste and we do not get the problems that we have inherited with the waste from our coal-fired stations. Those problems can be tackled, but renewables offer us new technology for the long term that is environmentally friendly and genuinely green. When we develop renewable resources we are using the earth's capital, not squandering it. We will be able to use that technology again and again.
It is true to say that, historically, Denmark has cornered the market in onshore wind development, and has begun to corner the market in offshore wind development and wind turbines. The challenge for Scotland is to think about the future and to consider the new generating capacity that could come from wave power and offshore wave installations. There are already some pilot projects around Scotland.
Will the member take an intervention?
I would like to get further into my speech.
The significance of the debate is that we can focus on the new investment that is going to come through the development that is proposed for Lewis. That proposed development has the potential to lift up the perspective on investment in renewables in Scotland. It puts the issue right at the heart of our energy and electricity interests.
The work of the Scottish Executive and the UK Government that Alasdair Morrison identified is vital to develop fully Scotland's energy interests as part of the UK. That is why we need continued support from the Executive for new investment in capacity for transmission and distribution. Alasdair Morrison is also right to highlight the positive local impact on Lewis. We can see that being replicated across Scotland.
One of the things that people are worried about with regard to renewables and the development of wind farms is that they do not know what the experience will be like. I remember doing a television interview in the Borders. The interviewer asked, "Aren't people going to be worried about the noise?" We were standing underneath an operating wind turbine and could not hear any noise. We need more such developments to reassure people that they are an environmentally friendly form of electricity generation with a beneficial impact on local jobs.
The Lewis project is another significant step in raising the proportion of electricity generated by renewables. I ask the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development to consider the current target of 18 per cent. That is the right target for the next few years. We now need to be thinking about raising that target for the long term. I call on the minister to think about that as part of a radical expansion and to build on the success that has been highlighted by the proposed Lewis project.
I also call on the minister to think about the whole of Scotland and not to forget central Scotland. There are massive opportunities for the development of renewables and wind farms in the short term, with the longer-term prize of offshore development. I am not talking just about wind power; wave generation is the one area where Scotland could get ahead of the game in terms of manufacturing.
I congratulate Alasdair Morrison on securing the debate and I call on the Minister for Environment and Rural Development to take us forward.
I, too, congratulate Alasdair Morrison on bringing us this excellent debate. As he knows, I had the pleasure of visiting Stornoway last month. I spoke to people there and felt that there was broad support for the wind farm plan.
I note with interest that the first news of this story came from the unlikely source of The Guardian on 26 November 2001. I imagine that that did not cause unqualified and undiluted delight in the offices of the Stornoway Gazette and West Coast Advertiser. One name is in the frame for leaking the story, but modesty prevents me from mentioning his name here.
There are serious concerns about delay. Perhaps I could put into three words the name, which Alasdair Morrison did not mention, of the possible source of objection that might cause delay to the planning process: Scottish Natural Heritage. I was pleased to see that Kevin Dunion, who wears hats that include being a board member of SNH and a spokesman for Friends of the Earth Scotland, seems to welcome this type of development. However, he says that the preferred site for the wind farm is a Europe-protected peat bog, so there is dubiety that I trust Kevin Dunion will dispel at the earliest opportunity, because I agree thoroughly that the people in the Western Isles should decide on the plan without outside interference. That is essential.
I believe that the economic benefits will be the focus of much concern because all energy bonanzas—when we think of oil we think of Titusville, Pennsylvania, east Texas or Mukluk in Alaska—have been followed more often than not by neglect of the people who were living in the area before the energy source was discovered.
Wind does not come in barrels, but it is worth just as much. The £3 million rental is a commercial rental, so that is not a gimmick. The Government has no contribution to make there. The Government's contribution is an under-the-rocks system that will provide a supplement to energy from renewable sources. That is all well and good, but what about the revenue from the climate change levy and the fossil fuel levy that goes to the UK Exchequer?
We should have an early estimate of the billions that will be generated by the development, which is twice as large as any onshore wind farm development in the world. How much will Westminster get out of the Western Isles and how much will be given back? I agree with and endorse Calum MacDonald's judgment that the project will be the largest-ever single investment in the Western Isles. Will it be the largest-ever single investment for the people of the Western Isles?
I congratulate Alasdair Morrison on lodging the motion. I observe that he sounded slightly prickly about what he termed interference from outside bodies such as Scottish Natural Heritage and Friends of the Earth.
If the member checks the Official Report, he will find that I did not criticise Scottish Natural Heritage. I am greatly encouraged by its mission statement, which says that one of its operating principles is to
"work in partnership, by co-operation, negotiation and consensus".
I am sure that that it will work in that way locally, and I hope that that consensual approach translates to its national offices.
I stand corrected. However, I inform Alasdair Morrison that the depositions that I have received from the RSPB and Friends of the Earth do not show a knee-jerk reaction against the project—quite the opposite. They acknowledge the importance of renewable energy to the future of Scotland and the world. All they ask for is to be engaged in the planning process. That is perfectly reasonable.
Alasdair Morrison referred to Tom Johnston, whose original vision for the development of renewable energy—particularly hydro power in the north of Scotland—was that it should be community owned. Of course, that vision has been destroyed.
I ask the Executive to ensure that we are not so dazzled by big developments in renewable energy that we forget the small projects. John Farquhar Munro talked about the importance of recognising the enormous potential for developing renewables through community ownership and small projects. Individual farms can install hydro power and wind power for their own needs. Photovoltaics, solar power, combined heat and power and biomass all lend themselves perfectly to community development and ownership.
I remind the Executive that the local community has a majority shareholding in one of the largest wind farms in Europe, in Copenhagen bay. That is not proposed for Lewis, but would it not be wonderful if we adopted such a perception of the way in which renewables should develop? By doing that, we would involve communities in taking a positive attitude towards the development of renewables throughout Scotland. Surely that is earnestly to be desired.
On this issue, I share common cause with my island colleague, Alasdair Morrison, who has raised an important matter. Many islands have the ability to develop and produce renewable power in great quantities. As Sarah Boyack rightly said, if the Governments here and in London are serious about the use of renewable power, we must be ambitious not only about the projects that Alasdair Morrison described but about the targets that Sarah Boyack mentioned. I am sure that ministers will reflect on those thoughts.
My constituency has built up wind power expertise through an initiative in areas such as Fair isle and through a commercial company—Shetland Aerogenerators Ltd—that has a Scottish renewables obligation contract and supplies power. There is huge potential in the northern isles—in Orkney and Shetland—for such power. Wave power is simply stored wind power. I am sure that Alasdair Morrison knows that, in his constituency, hardly a day goes past without the waves of the Atlantic pounding the western coastlines.
I am pleased that a number of companies are looking at the potential of wave power in my constituency. One of them, Seapower Scotland, is looking at an SRO site. A series of enterprising local people are also looking at engineering prototypes for harnessing wave power.
Tidal power has enormous potential in Shetland, too. Unlike wind power, it is continuous. I welcome Brian Wilson's announcement in the House of Commons last week that the Stingray project, the world's first tidal stream energy device, will be based in Yell sound this summer.
I would also like to mention the ability to export, which Alasdair Morrison rightly said is the key to delivering on Government targets. I welcome the UK Government's interconnector feasibility study for the Western Isles, but the cable should be extended to other areas such as the northern isles. No area should be ruled out. We could then look to build enough capacity into the system to meet the targets that we aspire to and need to develop. I hope that the minister will respond to that positive suggestion in his winding-up speech.
In a Westminster context, Alasdair Morrison mentioned the Crown Estate Commission. He is rightly leaving that issue to his colleague, Calum MacDonald. I, too, leave it to my Westminster colleague, Alistair Carmichael. No doubt if the minister wishes to take issue with the Crown Estate over what it will seek to charge in rental income for cables, he will do so more elegantly than me. I will be right behind him on that issue.
Before I call Rhoda Grant, I advise members that I am not going to get everyone in by the usual fixed deadline of 17:50. With the minister's agreement, I am prepared to extend to 6 pm, but not beyond that time. As the minister is indicating his agreement, I will entertain a motion without notice to that effect.
Motion moved,
That the debate be extended until 6 pm.—[Mrs Margaret Ewing.]
Motion agreed to.
It is with some envy that I congratulate Alasdair Morrison on securing the debate. It has taken him a few short weeks to secure a members' business debate, whereas I have been waiting considerably longer to secure my first members' business debate. Perhaps he can give me some tips. [Laughter.]
It is only right that the Western Isles should lead the way in renewable energy generation. As Alasdair Morrison said, the Highlands and Islands have a long history of using hydro power. As Tavish Scott mentioned, the northern isles are also very much involved. The marine energy testing centre on Orkney is a fine example of how rural island communities can take their place in renewable energy generation.
Huge environmental benefits are to be gained. Many people might ask why places such as the islands should look for environmental benefits, as they have clean air. People in many of our cities and towns aspire to having clean air. The debate shows that there is no division between town and country or between urban and rural areas on the issue. We all need to work together to provide benefits, which include jobs in rural areas and cleaner air in urban areas. Investing in renewable energy is not a waste of money. The energy is renewable—it goes on and on. The investment is well placed.
Many renewable energy sources can also be tourist attractions. That is a knock-on benefit that many people do not see or that they find strange. Other countries have gained increased tourist numbers by marketing the facilities and encouraging people to visit them. Infrastructure is also important. I am pleased that the Westminster Government is addressing that. There is no point in generating electricity if we cannot transport it to the areas that need it. We also need to invest in jobs. The Scottish Executive has shown that it is willing to do that by its investment in the Vesta Wind System plant at Machrihanish. We also need to look at scientific jobs and perhaps involve the university of the Highlands and Islands in the development of that area.
I would like to see a review of the national planning policy guidelines. It is important that they are reviewed and updated to facilitate renewable energy generation. I do not want to reduce consultation with local communities, as that is important, but we need to find a way to facilitate consultation to ensure that all the people are involved. Renewable energy will benefit not only the people of the Western Isles; it will benefit the whole of Scotland.
I, too, congratulate Alasdair Morrison on securing the debate. I am sure that he will have enjoyed, as I did, the reversal of the usual situation when Sarah Boyack made the plaintive cry that we should not forget about the central belt. I have participated in many debates in which we have had to ask that the Highlands and Islands are not forgotten. How nice it is that the Scottish Parliament has reversed that dynamic so quickly.
Rhoda Grant made a plea for a members' business debate. Having the First Minister abolish one's job, with all that that means, is one hell of a price to pay for a half-hour members' business debate. However, if that option is open perhaps we can consider it.
I suggest that we give credit to Western Isles Council which, back in February 2001, created the energy innovation zone that Alasdair Morrison will know all about. That in turn created the environment for the developments on Lewis to come about. It is important that we recognise that that was a cross-party initiative that is now bearing fruit.
We have talked about the significant level of the investment. I would like to pick up on Rhoda Grant's point about the parallel with Vesta in Campbeltown and the dramatic impact that that is having on the optimism of people in the town and its long-term sustainability as a location for business. That model can be replicated in the Western Isles and beyond.
One not so rosy point that we need to dwell on is the development of wave power. Whereas with wind power, as Sarah Boyack said, Scotland has lost the initiative to its Scandinavian cousins, with wave power we have the opportunity to be a world leader. I salute Wavegen for what it is doing, but I ask members to remember that from 1987 to 1998 we witnessed an 81 per cent drop in the research and development moneys that were made available for wave power. Since 1997 there has been a 57 per cent drop in Government assistance. If we want wave power to become more significant, I suggest that we quickly reverse that trend and perhaps all Scotland can benefit.
Does the member agree that the demolition of Stephen Salter's wave tank at Edinburgh University has scarcely helped in the furtherance of wave power research?
I am happy to agree with the member that that may not have been the most progressive step. If the Executive and the UK Government took wave power seriously, there would still be an opportunity for Scotland to be a world leader.
There was a report before Christmas about the possibility of wave and wind power providing not 10 per cent but 75 per cent of total UK energy needs. A disproportionate amount of that could come from Scotland. It is also worth remembering that the Highlands and Islands, which are economically disadvantaged in just about every other respect, have a competitive advantage in renewable energy. The Highlands and Islands are uniquely well placed to benefit from the massive expansion in renewables.
Tavish Scott is right: we must have action on the interconnector cable and a better answer than we have had so far about when that report will be published. I asked that question this week and was told—and I quote—"shortly". Well, it needs to be very shortly so that we can get moving.
I thank Alasdair Morrison for securing the debate. It gives us the opportunity to talk about renewable energy and, importantly, to welcome the good news that we are hearing not only about the developments in 2001 but those in 2002, including the one that Alasdair Morrison spoke about tonight. I look forward with interest, as I am sure Bruce Crawford does, to what might happen in future in Central Scotland.
I welcome the renewables resource study that Duncan Hamilton mentioned. It said that 75 per cent of existing generating capacity in the UK could be met by renewables in Scotland. That is very good news. If Kevin Dunion of Friends of the Earth Scotland says that that is fantastic news we must be doing something right.
Renewable energy has other good points: its ability to help us combat climate change is an obvious one. It can also help to reduce the use of non-renewable resources—oil, gas and coal. Generating renewable energy also helps rural areas by bringing jobs. I very much liked what Alasdair Morrison said about the rent that would go to rural areas from wind power farms run as community-owned trusts. I am sure that there is potential for that and I would welcome the minister's comments on it.
In the wider context, it is essential that we break into the turbine and associated technology market and do not leave it up to the Danes. I agree with what Robin Harper said about that and I wonder whether the minister will tell us how we are trying to get into that technology market. Again, Alasdair Morrison gave a useful example of what is happening in his area.
There are still issues, one of which was raised in an RSPB Scotland briefing. The RSPB was positive about what is happening, but said that the environmental impact assessment must be rigorous and that higher discussions with key bodies are important to ensure the smoothest possible planning process. Scottish Power has made a number of suggestions about how to prevent the cost to renewables developers of connection to the electricity transmission or distribution network limiting the development of renewables. There needs to be greater operational flexibility by generators. I would like the minister to comment on that.
The developments that have been discussed are very good news and I hope that they will continue.
I shall make a brief speech, much of which will serve to reiterate what has already been said. One can wait hours for a bus and then three come at once; I am the third.
I very much welcome the investment in wind and wave energy projects in the Western Isles and in the tidal energy prototype in Shetland. The UK was at the forefront of development in the early days of wind technology, but we failed to capitalise on that. We have only to look at Denmark to see what a wasted opportunity that was. We are now in the vanguard of developing wave and tidal energy generation, but more money still goes into current and historical subsidies for nuclear power and fossil fuels than into supporting the development of renewable energy technology and the infrastructure needed to enable Scotland to capitalise on our unique assets for generating energy from renewable resources. Let us not blow it again.
I join other members in congratulating Alasdair Morrison on securing this evening's debate. The attendance and the number of contributors show not only the depth of feeling that exists on the subject, but also a depth of knowledge among many members of the Parliament, and a commitment to ensuring that renewable energy is kept very much on the agenda of the Parliament. The debate is helpful in contributing to that.
The Scottish National Party has long supported the use of renewable energies. Some of us were probably advocating the use of wind power, solar power and wave power, both offshore and onshore, before Alasdair Morrison was born. We have a long commitment to renewable energy and that continuing commitment was reinforced by our council earlier this year.
As other members have said, the developments in the Western Isles are important. Our rural communities often feel neglected and feel that they are not in the van of the modern technology and exciting developments that happen elsewhere. What is happening in the Western Isles is to be greatly welcomed.
In May last year, two similar proposals for wind farms were made in Moray, at Paul's hill and Cairn Uish. I had the pleasure of visiting those sites during the parliamentary recess last October. I will not tell members what that visit did for my complexion, my hairstyle or, on occasions, my dignity, but it was certainly interesting. The two sites combined have a potential capacity of 96 megawatts. That could supply the whole of the domestic energy requirement for the Moray Council area. It also represents 50 per cent of the Scottish Executive's target for renewable energies by 2010.
There has been some opposition to the projects—all of us experience opposition, for a variety of reasons, when proposals are mooted. However, following a series of public meetings and exhibitions, Natural Power's research shows that 85 per cent of Moravians are in favour of the projects, including me and the two other Ewings in the chamber.
One aspect of developments that has been touched on is job creation. There will be short-term employment opportunities in building wind farms. Like others, I emphasise the need for Scotland to develop its potential for building turbines. I am thinking of the skilled engineers from Ardersier, for example, who have not received employment.
The Executive should ensure that, when it considers applications, processes are speedy and that projects are not unnecessarily held up.
Like many members, I am grateful to Alasdair Morrison for securing today's debate. I look forward to visiting his constituency again. I applaud his commitment to the Western Isles and to renewable energy. He has addressed those subjects passionately more than once.
I believe that we are beginning to understand the reality of climate change. We can no longer ignore the environmental costs of fuelling our 21st century lifestyle or take our energy for granted. Increasing the use of clean, sustainable energy is vital for the future—that is why renewable energy is about to move into the mainstream of the energy business. Therefore, a firm, long-term commitment to renewable energy is central to our Scottish climate change programme.
The Executive is rightly proud of our policies on renewables. We are committed to using Scotland's massive potential to raise our renewable energy production to new heights.
Which member would the minister like to have ask a question?
Bruce Crawford.
I thank the minister. He says that he is proud of the Executive's commitment to renewable energy. How much money is in the Scottish Executive's budget to deal with renewable energy? Will he confirm that the sum is zero?
I cannot confirm or deny anything off the top of my head, but I will get the information to Bruce Crawford.
I thank the minister for taking an intervention. I know people who have been struggling with applications for wind farms for seven to eight years. Will the Executive bring forward fast-track planning to prevent that? That is necessary to meet the targets by 2010.
As the member knows, we have recently renewed planning requirements for the development of renewables. It is important that those are bedded in and that we monitor how they proceed. I agree with the general principle that the member mentioned. We want to ensure that we get on with the job in hand as quickly as possible.
Alasdair Morrison is right to champion the potential for renewable development on Lewis and in the Western Isles. Our recent study on Scotland's renewable resource potential identified the massive scale of that resource in Scotland and the Western Isles.
I am delighted to acknowledge the local interest and the involvement of the Stornoway Trust on Lewis. The partnership approach that is backed by Alasdair Morrison is essential. I am not simply referring to partnership between Government departments, the renewables industry and enterprise networks, although that is critical. If we are to achieve our objectives, we and the industry need to engage fully with local communities and stakeholders. I give Alasdair Morrison the assurance that he seeks in respect of the continued participation of Executive officials in the process.
Applications for consent to build large energy projects must be made to Scottish ministers for their approval. Members will understand that I cannot comment on the merits of specific developments, but we are well aware of the projects to which Alasdair Morrison and other members referred. There has been great interest in Wavegen's plans to install a cluster of shoreline wave energy devices in the Western Isles and in plans for several wind energy developments there.
The environmental benefits of renewable energy do not necessarily lessen the environmental impacts that they can have. Our positive position on renewables in support of our climate change policy is balanced against a national and international need to preserve important areas of conservation. Developments on Lewis and elsewhere must respect such areas' legal status. I am confident that the partnership approach, which the motion endorses, will ensure that the correct balance is struck between competing and often conflicting interests.
The proposals for Lewis are part of a pleasing trend in relation to the renewables obligation Scotland. Our objective of providing 18 per cent of our power from renewables by 2010 is challenging.
Will the minister give way?
I would rather continue, if the member does not mind.
You have just over four minutes.
Okay, I will take an intervention.
My question is about making the dream of long-term sustainable energy a reality. Will the minister say when the study that the Department of Trade and Industry commissioned into the cost and feasibility of the interconnector cable will be published?
Shortly. The signs from Scotland's proactive energy industry suggest that we will be more than successful in meeting the target that I mentioned. As Sarah Boyack probably knows, a recent study confirmed that the renewables obligation (Scotland) ROS targets can be met without grid upgrades.
Some members, including Bruce Crawford, mentioned the important issue of the economic impact of the development of renewable energy. That development is good not only for our environment, but for our economy. Our largest companies are poised to invest more than £1 billion in renewable energy during the coming decade. The world's leading manufacturer of wind turbines will soon open a new manufacturing plant in Kintyre. The demand that our policies are creating has attracted Vesta to provide more than 100 jobs in an area that is desperately in need of them.
Bruce Crawford asked whether turbines will be manufactured in Scotland. Considerable success has been achieved in attracting Vesta to Campbeltown and we are aware that other turbine manufacturers are interested in investing in Scotland. Scottish Enterprise is charged with developing that interest and turning it into something more positive.
Will the minister take an intervention?
I cannot possibly answer every question on renewable energy that is flung at me.
I want to say something about Arnish to Alasdair Morrison, who asked if colleagues in the enterprise and lifelong learning department are involved in discussions. I can confirm that discussions were held only today. The Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning has made it known that regeneration at Arnish is a high priority for the Executive, which remains active in the Arnish development group. In that context, I acknowledge again the sterling efforts to reopen Arnish by the Stornoway Trust and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. In pursuit of that goal, HIE stands ready to engage with any prospective developer on the Western Isles. The feasibility study is under way at a cost of £35,000, which has been provided by Western Isles Enterprise and the local authority, with the Stornoway Trust.
In conclusion, the exciting prospects for renewable energy are important for this country. I agree entirely with the sentiments that are expressed in Alasdair Morrison's motion. There are significant environmental and economic benefits to be gained from a renewables boom—not just in the Western Isles, but across Scotland.
Partnership is essential in everything that we do to move that objective forward. We will maintain the dialogue and the good relations that we have established with the industry and other Government colleagues. We will continue to urge the full and proper involvement of local interests and communities and to ensure that landscape and other environmental issues are not ignored in that push.
Climate change endangers us all. Renewable energy can and will help us to tackle the threat to our environment and our way of life. I believe that we all accept the truth of that and that the Executive's policy commands general and—in the main—constructive support. By working together, we can increase Scotland's prosperity, benefit its environment and safeguard its future.
Meeting closed at 18:00.