ENERGY REFORMS RISK SCOTLAND’S GREEN POTENTIAL

For Immediate Release – Thursday 16 December 2010


Attn: NEWS DESKS


POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS


ANOTHER LIBDEM BETRAYAL OPENS DOOR TO NUCLEAR SUBSIDY PLAN


The SNP has expressed serious concern at the announcement of electricity market reforms set out today (Thursday) by the UK Government which jeopardise Scotland’s ability to fulfil its green
energy potential.


Proposals, outlined by Energy Secretary Chris Huhne, also reveal another major u-turn by the LibDem’s which will allow public subsidies for the development of new nuclear power projects.

Speaking after the statement, SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP said:

“When we need the right energy regulation to go green, these reforms threaten to put Scotland’s renewables potential at risk.


“The proposed changes could undermine the measures that the Scottish Government has taken to create a strong and innovative framework to support renewables development, and will risk investor confidence.

“And the way that the LibDems have u-turned on public subsidy of new nuclear is brazen and dishonest – just as disgraceful as the way they ripped up their pledge on student fees. From being unequivocal in his opposition to nuclear energy, Chris Huhne has now become a cheerleader for it – this is Chris Huhn’s tuition fee moment.


“Every penny poured into subsidising the nuclear industry is a penny less that could be used to encourage clean, green renewables investment.


“Scotland has the potential to be the green powerhouse of Europe and investment in wind, wave, tidal, hydro and other sources of renewable energy is a much better investment for our future.


“Nuclear energy has in the past swallowed vast sums of public money, and the clean up of its past mess continues to cost the taxpayer dearly. There is absolutely no case for continuing to pour public money into this bottomless pit. We should be looking to developing clean green energy to provide a safe and sustainable energy future.”


Mr Hosie added:

“How can anyone trust the Lib Dems anymore? On the VAT hike, student fees and now nuclear subsidies - they are a party that said one thing in opposition then do the opposite in Government.”

ENDS

Notes:

In a statement to the House of Commons today (Thursday), Mr Huhne said the UK Government’s favoured option for reform of the electricity market. Mr Huhne said:

“Today, we are proposing new incentives to drive investment, while protecting the rules for investments already made. The focus will shift permanently from conventional fossil fuel fired electricity to low carbon technologies – renewables, nuclear and cleaner fossil fuels.”


In contrast, the 2010 Liberal Democrat Manifesto states:

“We will say no to a new generation of nuclear power stations; nuclear power is a far more expensive way of reducing carbon emissions than promoting energy conservation and renewable energy.”