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Letter addressing misrepresentation of SNP energy policy by our
opponents and congratulating campaigners on rejection of the
proposed windfarm at Drone Hill, Coldingham, East Berwickshire
in the Berwickshire News, January 2008
Sir,
Energy dominates the headlines. However, our opponents have been
guilty of misrepresenting SNP policy and imply job losses will
follow at Torness while the Lammermuirs will be covered with
wind-turbines. The SNP Government is indeed saying "no" to
new nuclear power stations in Scotland. This is the majority view
both locally and across Scotland. Nuclear power produced 26% of
Scotland's electricity supply in 2006. However, Scotland is actually
a net exporter of electricity, even in 2006 when nuclear output had
fallen substantially due to safety-related shutdowns. Despite the
shutdowns, 20% of all electricity generated in Scotland was exported
to England. Scotland's lights did not go out.
SNP Government policy is that Torness will be allowed to continue
its economic life until its scheduled decommissioning in 2023,
giving job security for workers for at least 15 years. In May, the
SNP cabinet indicated that they would not object to British Energy
if they apply to extend Torness' life, most likely by 8 years,
subject to assessment of safety by the Nuclear Installations
Inspectorate. However, whenever Torness is decommissioned, the
process of removal and storage of its radioactive waste will be an
expensive business, and will provide high-skilled jobs for many
years thereafter. Such is the nuclear legacy for taxpayers.
In time, wave, tidal and biomass technologies will mature and
generate new electricity exports. Renewables are on track to produce
30% of Scotland's electricity needs by 2011 (from 18% in 2006). The
massive new Glendoe 100MW Hydropower Scheme being constructed above
Loch Ness will soon provide sufficient power for a population the
size of Glasgow, CO2 -free. Scotland has one third of Europe's
renewable energy potential, including offshore wind, and leads the
World in development of wave and tidal power. 'Clean coal' and
'carbon-capture' technology for coal and gas fired stations can
allow these to provide lower-carbon base-load electricity for
Scotland's consumers, while tidal power is the future.
Where windfarms are developed, this should be done sensitively
and as part of a balanced strategy, including greater emphasis on
energy conservation, micro-renewables in our homes, small-scale
hydro, offshore wind, biomass generation and wave and tidal power. I
commend local campaigners, backed by SNP and other Councillors, for
the rejection of the entirely inappropriate application for
Coldingham Moor.
Yours faithfully
Paul Wheelhouse SNP Prospective Parliamentary Candidate
Berwickshire, Roxburgh & Selkirk |
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