The Scottish Government yesterday said the country’s renewable energy assets made it a net exporter of electricity.
Responding to Tony Mackay’s criticism over Longannet, a spokesperson said the Government had a clear vision for the power sector
“A balanced mix of clean thermal generation progressively fitted with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) operating alongside renewables is the Scottish Government’s clear objective,” said the spokesperson.
“Scotland’s comparative advantage in the generation of renewable electricity is huge with 90% of the UK’s hydro capacity, 25% of the EU’s offshore wind and tidal power potential and 10% of its wave power potential.
“Renewables now supply almost half of Scotland’s electricity consumption and our role as a net exporter is well-established, and we are set to continue this vital role in the future.”
Scottish Power said it had been forced to signal the likely closure of Longannet following the National Grid’s recent contract process.
“Longannet has felt the burden of penalties for greenhouse gas emissions very keenly,” a spokesperson said.
The UK’s unilateral Carbon Price Floor mechanism has given it an annual £150 million bill for 2015-16.
“This means the £40 million annual grid connection charge levied by National Grid has now tipped the balance, so the economics of Longannet no longer add up after this year.
“Unless something changes, closure is now likely.
“The current Transmission Charging regime is a major barrier to any future investment in flexible thermal power generation in Scotland.”