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Expert call for action on energy for Scotland |
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Wednesday, 23 May 2007 |
The Royal Society of Edinburgh has published an updated call for action on energy, a year after it published its inquiry into energy issues for Scotland.
This report charts developments in decision-making and political
activity in energy since June 2006 and outlines the overwhelming
priorities for action, which it identifies as improvement in the
efficient use of energy, and reducing the use of fossil fuels in space
and water heating and in transport.
The report of a year ago concluded that there was a need for energy
from a diversity of fuels, countries, and technologies, which would
help Scotland be competitive in global markets, with all sections of
society having access to energy at a price they can afford, and using
technology with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions throughout their
life cycle.
It recommended increasing the efficiency of energy, using cleaner
energy sources, researching and developing new technologies to benefit
Scotland, and implementing more effective measures to improve the
operation of the energy market.
The secretary of the RSE’s independent energy inquiry, Professor Roger
Crofts said: “Our latest report identifies the urgent actions required
to achieve a secure, competitive, socially equitable and low carbon
emissions supply of energy for Scotland.
“Reflecting the energy priorities we have heard articulated by members
of the public around Scotland, it is addressed to decision-makers in
the UK and Scottish governments, the energy sector and all those who
seek to influence decisions on energy.”
The call for action comes as the UK government today releases its
Energy White Paper, which is expected to include plans to build new
nuclear power stations.
Writing in the Times, Prime Minister Tony Blair said: “It is only right
that we consider how nuclear power can help underpin the security of
our energy supply without increasing our reliance on fossil fuels.”
However, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen said that
directing government investment away from wind, wave and tidal power
into nuclear would "fatally damage Scotland’s opportunity to become the
renewables powerhouse of Europe".
“Nuclear power has a history of hidden costs and is fraught with potential dangers.”
Liberal Democrat shadow Scottish Secretary Jo Swinson added: “The
opposition of a majority of Scots, the billions of pounds wasted, the
legacy of toxic waste left for future generations – nuclear power is
simply the wrong choice for Scotland.
“The choice facing us is between a policy that invests in clean,
efficient energy and one that looks for solutions in the tried, tested
and failed technology of nuclear.”
Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie said that the money planned for
nuclear power stations should be invested instead in renewables and
energy efficiency.
He said: "There is no political majority for new nuclear power stations
in Scotland, neither in the Executive nor in parliament. It is not
needed, nor is it wanted. This is a relief because new nuclear would be
a distraction from the core agenda of tackling climate change through
renewables and energy efficiency.
"There is no need for confrontation between Holyrood and Westminster
here - just different opinions and options being taken by two
governments acting within their competencies. In Scotland we are awash
with renewable resources and we will aim to take advantage of them. The
rest of the UK can do the same but it is a shame there appears to be a
willingness in Westminster to cling to the dirty technology of the
past."
No one has commented on this article.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 23 May 2007 )
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