Renewable energy projects in Scotland received a huge boost today when a government amendment to Mark Lazarowicz’s Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill was passed in the House of Commons.

The amendment will allow for reduced transmission charges for electricity generated in the islands, keeping electricity production costs down and encouraging wind and wave power in Scotland.

Mark said: “There is huge potential for renewables in Scotland and this amendment will help to see this potential realised. The high cost of transmitting electricity from Scotland to, for example, the south of England is a strong disincentive to the development of green energy but this move to keep the transmission costs down could be a real money-spinner for the Scottish islands and the renewables industry in Scotland.”

The Government already capped charges for up to 10 years but the amendment to Mark’s Bill will extend the cap for another 10 years, to 2024.

The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill, if passed, will bring advantages to both large and small scale renewable energy producers. The transmission charge cap will benefit wind power in the islands and the Bill will also establish national targets for small scale renewable energy projects.

The boost to Scottish renewable energy projects came on the eve of Mark’s visit to the Renewable Devices Swift Turbine factory this Friday during Scottish Environment week. He will be joined by Sarah Boyack MSP whose Energy Efficiency & Micro-generation Bill Proposal in the Scottish Parliament complements Mark Lazarowicz’s Bill at Westminster.