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First Minister speech – Brexit


First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will speak at Scottish Renewables’ Annual Conference today, and is expected focus on the threat posed by Brexit to the country’s renewable energy industry.

Responding, Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “The First Minister is right to say that Brexit presents risks to the future success of Scotland’s renewable energy industry, but it’s vital to recognise that the most significant challenges faced by the industry in recent years have been domestic ones.

“While leaving the EU could restrict access to funding and hinder the free movement of labour both to and from Europe, policy support for renewable energy – not least our cheapest and most mature technologies – is essential. Westminster can help to stabilise revenues which underpin investment, and a focus on minimising costs here in Scotland will ensure this is the most competitive place to develop a renewable energy project.

“It is vital that the outcome of the negotiations on Europe have regard for the ways in which industries like renewable energy work: collaboratively, across borders and with cost as a constant imperative.”