ScotWind auction a 'missed opportunity', say Moray Labour
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MORAY Labour say a major opportunity to create local jobs and reduce fuel poverty has been missed by the SNP and Greens.
The recent ScotWind auction saw wind energy company Ocean Winds awarded the right to develop in the outer Moray Firth.
Bids to develop on the site were invited by the Scottish Government in summer 2021.
However, Moray Labour has criticised the auction and have pointed out that all winning bids went to consortiums led by overseas companies.
Moray Labour Chair and Elgin North candidate Sandy Keith, said: "The SNP and Greens claim this will bring green jobs to the north east, but our understanding is that the supply chain statements are completely non-binding, and were not considered as part of the auction process.
"The SNP's failure to create a national energy company and build up local renewables industries means that billions of pounds of wealth risk being exported overseas.
"Moray will soon have Scotland's largest operational wind farm, yet we also have one of the country's highest rates of fuel poverty.
"Labour have pledged £28 billion a year in green capital investment, to build local wealth, empowerment, and to tackle the climate emergency.
"With the Conservative government crumbling, and the SNP-Greens failing to use the powers we already have, only Labour are truly committed to creating green jobs and prosperity for Scotland and the whole UK."
Councillor Graham Leadbitter, the SNP Leader of Moray Council, denied Moray Labour's claims and says that the Ocean Winds deal will secure jobs in the area.
Mr Leadbitter said: "When it comes to offshore wind Moray Council has worked very hard to secure an agreement with Ocean Winds, who will be building and operating the Moray West offshore wind farm.
"There will be substantial investment in Buckie Harbour that will generate significant numbers of skilled jobs both around the harbour and in the wider supply chain. These types of operations are replicated in other ports right round the Moray Firth and beyond.
"In addition, this week's announcement that Nigg will be used as part of the supply chain for Moray West is very welcome for the wider Moray Firth area.
"That in turn generates further downstream supply chain work, some of which will be highly likely to benefit Moray.
"This is clear evidence that Scotland's renewable energy resource is having a very positive impact on skilled work and the local supply chain.
“However, many of the powers that would allow more community benefit and revenues are still held by the UK Government such as energy regulation and taxation.
"Hopefully Sandy Keith will back Scottish independence to get those full powers to maximise the benefits we both want to see but notwithstanding that local communities have benefited from millions of pounds of community funds for wind farms and the income that the recent ScotWind auction generates will be used to support our key public services."
