A BURGEONING sector of the Scottish economy could falter if approval for the Beauly to Denny power line is not forthcoming, it was claimed yesterday.

Scottish Renewables, the green energy trade body, warned that the full jobs potential of emerging technologies will only be realised if there is political support for projects like the controversial 137-mile replacement power line.

A public inquiry into the proposed 600-pylon power line opened in Perth this week.

Scottish and Southern Energy maintain it is the only way that Scotland can meet targets set for generating energy from renewable sources.

That stance has been backed up by the findings of research carried out into the economic impact of the members of Scottish Renewables.

The results show 2596 people are employed by Scottish Renewables members in Scotland and that the members had a combined turnover of £550 million in 2005.

The survey asked its 153 commercial members how many people they employed in Scotland and the turnover of their business, or division of their business.

Jason Ormiston, acting chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said, “This study demonstrates that from a standing start ten years ago the renewable energy sector has grown considerably and now employs thousands and makes a major impact on the Scottish economy.

“It also shows that in the emerging technologies like wave, tidal, biomass and microgeneration that there have already been major job gains.

“However, the full potential of these sectors can only be captured if the Scottish Executive continues to deliver political support for mature technologies like onshore wind and hydro and approves projects like the Beauly to Denny transmission line replacement in a timely fashion.

“Scottish Renewables does not represent the entire renewable electricity, heat and transport sectors and therefore the numbers employed in the renewables industry in Scotland will be considerably bigger than this report reveals—we would be keen to work with other agencies and explore options for delivering this research.”

Green MSP Robin Harper said he believed the survey showed the importance of public and political support for this sector.

“This study hints at the massive economic potential of the renewables industry,” he said.

“Tapping into Scotland’s natural resources, and doing that carefully, is the key to creating a competitive, low- carbon economy fit for the 21st century.

“This evidence adds further impetus to the need to fully support the industry.

“There are thousands of potential jobs at stake—a piecemeal or half-hearted approach simply will not do.”

The inquiry is being heard in the Quality Station Hotel in Perth but in the coming months will also be held in Inverness, Newtonmore and Stirling.