Scottish and Southern Energy have announced that a decision on the interconnector, the subsea electricity cable, has been deferred. This means that the construction of various renewables projects in Lewis will be delayed as well. These vary from the Eishken and Pairc Windfarms to the Shader Barrage and community windfarms. Indirectly, it also affects the Pairc buy-out, which is inextricably linked to the proposed Pairc Windfarm.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has reacted angrily to the news, saying it will cost the island economy £2.5 million per annum.
I will only go so far as to say that an expression of regret would be sheer hypocrisy on my part. I only regret a delay to the Shader Barrage.
An MEP has commented, saying he intends to raise the profile of the interconnector at European level, in order that funding can be directed that way. He claims it is in the national interest.
Edited to include links and reference to MEP's comment
there are precious few reasons to be glad of a global economic recession ... but this seems to me to be one of them ...
ReplyDeleteJust for the record......chuffed to bits as Gravir seemed doomed but things are delayed somewhat!!!
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