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10:30
Tavish Scott: I also have two specific questions. The first is
on the omission from the order of energy from biodegradable sources that
could be counted as renewable. My understanding is that the European
Commission includes that - I presume that there has been pressure from other
member states. My concern about imposing a blanket ruling is that
there are parts of Scotland where the waste stream is not of adequate size
to be split economically. Were those calculations made in relation to
the decision that the minister mentioned earlier?
My second question is about Fair Isle, in the context of the Scottish
renewables obligation certificates. Fair Isle has two wind turbines, which
have provided power commercially for 14 years on what is a small island - 70
people live on it. I appreciate that you will probably not be able to
answer this question today, but is there any reason, in principle, why the
island should not apply for a ROC and then trade it in order to invest the
return in its system? The system is a commercial one - the
island spent 350,000 in 1998 on upgrading and reinvesting. It strikes
me that, if that were possible, it would encourage |
small-scale schemes around Scotland. Such schemes may not be linked
into the grid, for the reasons that the minister mentioned in relation to
the grid study. There is a good opportunity to enhance and encourage
such schemes, which could help to achieve the target that we are all aiming
for.
Ben Maguire: I will answer the Fair Isle question first,
because I think that I know the answer to that one.
The Convener: That is fair.
Ben Maguire: The renewables obligation certificates will be issued to
generators that produce electricity that goes into the public supply system.
The electricity does not need to go into the national grid, so renewable
energy generated in, for example, Orkney or Shetland, which are not
connected to the grid, will be eligible for certificates provided that the
electricity goes into the public supply system. I hope that that
answers the question.
Tavish Scott: So that is a yes.
Ben Maguire: If the electricity from the two wind turbines on
Fair Isle is supplied to the public, the answer to your question is yes. |
