Greens call for at least 70 per cent of the supply chain for all new onshore wind projects to come from Scotland as they eye-up doubling the size of the sector by 2030
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The Scottish Greens have called for at least 70 per cent of the supply chain for all new onshore wind projects to come from Scotland as the party bids to double the size of the industry.
Inverness and Nairn candidate Ariane Burgess says there is the need for a “new deal” for Scotland’s wind energy supply to meet future demand for electricity as fossil fuels are phased out.
The party claims this could create hundreds of supply chain jobs in the Highlands by adding eight gigawatts of onshore energy production by 2030.
They would do that by replacing existing turbines with newer, more powerful models while making it easier to invest in onshore wind with a condition to keep at least 70 per cent of the supply chain in Scotland.
The Greens also want at least 20 per cent of new wind farms to be community owned, for them to avoid national scenic areas and national parks and for it to pay for things like peatland restoration.
Ms Burgess said: “As we shift to electric transport and heating solutions, the demand will grow and so must the onshore wind sector.
“That’s why the Scottish Greens are proposing a new deal for wind energy to encourage the sector to upgrade existing turbines and expand. We would ensure that the Scottish supply chain is protected, which could create hundreds of jobs for the Highlands in the process.”
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