Speaking at Scottish Renewables Onshore Wind conference in Glasgow today (29 June), McNeal said: “It is tempting in these unprecedented times, in the period of uncertainty and market volatility since the vote, to focus only on the challenges ahead.
“It is precisely now… That I believe we should reflect on what we can offer; cheap, home-grown electricity able to deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of capital investment for our economy over the next few years, helping companies all over Britain just at a time when we need it most.”
His comments follow the prime minister and chancellor talking about the effects of a period of prolonged economic adjustment and the need for a clear plan for immediate financial stability.
McNeal also reminded delegates at the conference that “there remains a pipeline of onshore wind plants that are ready to build now, ready to be financed…,” adding that it is vital onshore wind retains an ability to compete and has a route to market.
Opening the conference, Scottish Renewables chief executive Niall Stuart emphasised the importance of ministers sticking to their plan of announcing the final decision on support for renewable energy projects on Scotland’s islands this summer, and the details of auctions for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy.
“Confidence amongst most of our members is incredibly fragile right now, and we need clear leadership at Westminster and Holyrood if we are to deliver further growth, to protect the many thousands of jobs supported by the industry, and to deliver the change in our energy sector that the people of Scotland want to see.”