That the Parliament congratulates Point and Sandwick Trust (PST) in Lewis on securing a landmark renewable energy agreement with Navantia UK; understands that the agreement will see the UK’s largest community-owned wind farm, Beinn Ghrideag, supply the majority of the renewable electricity required by Navantia UK’s shipbuilding and fabrication facilities, including those at Arnish in Lewis, Methil in Fife and Appledore in North Devon; recognises that Beinn Ghrideag generates more than 20 gigawatt hours of clean electricity annually, with around one third of its output meeting Navantia UK’s energy needs; commends PST for demonstrating how community-owned renewable energy projects can compete successfully in national energy markets while delivering substantial environmental and economic benefits; recognises that all profits generated by the wind farm are reinvested in local communities, supporting employment, education, environmental initiatives, community facilities and measures to tackle fuel poverty; believes that this partnership showcases the vital role of community-owned renewable energy in supporting economic development in island communities, advancing the transition to net zero and delivering lasting local benefits; notes the importance of the Arnish yard as a major source of skilled employment, and welcomes the role played by the UK Government in helping to secure the future of the yard through facilitating its commercial acquisition by Navantia UK, safeguarding around 150 skilled jobs on Lewis.
Supported by: Paul Sweeney