MSPs Unite to Back Scotland’s Onshore Wind Sector

MSPs from across the political spectrum came together today (14 June) with workers from the onshore wind industry outside the Scottish parliament to back Scotland’s sector.

Apprentices from throughout the Scottish onshore wind supply chain, as well as technicians, fabricators, managers and solicitors whose jobs rely on new onshore wind developments called for backing from Scotland’s politicians to enable further development of projects.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, and Lindsay McQuade, Chief Executive Officer of ScottishPower Renewables, united with those in attendance to promote the enormous benefits of onshore wind.

This event is part of the first ever Onshore Wind Week – a week-long celebration of the jobs and economic growth driven by the successful roll-out of onshore wind:

Two significant industry reports detailing the social and economic benefits of onshore wind were published on Monday to mark the launch of Onshore Wind Week.

• Scottish Renewables released its ‘Onshore Wind: Investing in Scotland’s Energy Future’ document and BVG Associates released its ‘The Power of Onshore Wind’ report, supported by ScottishPower.
• Scottish Renewables also launched a new website, onshorewindscotland.com, to highlight the vast and varied benefits of Scotland’s onshore wind sector.
• Around 5,000 people attended the Whitelee Windfarm Family Fun Day on Sunday (10 June).
• On Wednesday (13 June), there was a reception at Westminster attended by MPs and Lords.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

“Today’s event demonstrates the power of Scotland’s leading onshore wind sector.

“The breadth of the workforce in onshore wind means that the potential for economic growth through onshore wind development is huge. It was great to see such a large turnout of people whose contributions are driving clean energy forward. It helps us see just how diverse the opportunities are in onshore wind.

"These are high-skill jobs in an industry that will help shape our future economy. With the right support, there are projects that can kick-off quickly in Scotland to deliver investment and those associated jobs.

"Today, the people who make the sector the success that it is were brought to the fore.”

Lindsay McQuade, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, said:

“Onshore wind supports thousands of jobs in Scotland, with billions of pounds of investment going to Scottish firms.

“It is the cheapest form of new electricity generation in the UK, and future projects could deliver even greater benefits.

“With the support of more than three-quarters of the public, and many politicians from all parties, we hope that onshore wind will continue to help power Scotland’s economy.”