Local MP says “Lights Outs in 2015” unless the Scottish Government stop dithering

John Robertson MP has called on the Scottish government to stop dithering over Scotland’s energy needs and instead fulfil its commitments over a power line upgrade through Scotland.

John Robertson said:

“The SNP have to stop dithering on this issue and make a decision, vital for homes up down our country, otherwise its lights out come 2015.”

He added; “Being a ‘government’ is more than changing the name above the door, it’s about making decisions.”

Since the Scottish government have turned their backs on a balanced energy plan and have instead chosen to go down a path that excludes nuclear power, Scotland is more than ever reliant on renewable energy and the infrastructure used to transport it.

Speaking in the HoC on Wednesday, John Robertson MP expressed concern about; “finding the £1.4 billion needed to upgrade the transmission system in order to meet the demands created by growing levels of new renewable energy and technology coming on line.”  John also added; “This is put in greater jeopardy given that the Beauly-Denny transmission link is still outstanding from 2000 and has been held up by the current Scottish government”

Further improvements on the mainland system are required to make maximum use of the existing infrastructure and overhead line routes to join up renewable generation developments on the Scottish mainland and the islands.

The proposed Beauly–Denny rebuild is an important step in developing a transmission system in the North of Scotland of sufficient capacity to accommodate renewable development proposals. With this upgrade in place, further reinforcement of the North of Scotland transmission system can be achieved by the strengthening of other elements of the existing system.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Hon. John Robertson MP is the Labour Member of Parliament for Glasgow North West, which comprises the communities of; Anniesland, Blairdardie, Claythorn, Drumchapel, Garscadden, Jordanhill, Knightswood, Old Drumchapel, Partick (Meadowside & Thornwood), Peterson Park, Scotstoun, Temple, Whiteinch and Yoker.

John Robertson MP is also Member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee and the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Nuclear Energy Group.

Filed under: press, recentnews by admin