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SNP energy policy faces backlash as wind farm on Lewis rejected 

The SNP faced claims last night that its energy policy is “in meltdown” after it rejected plans for Europe’s largest wind farm to be built on Lewis.

Ministers said they could not approve the proposal because of the impact on the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area, protected by European law. Energy Minister Jim Mather stressed it did not mean other wind farms could not proceed in the islands.

Opposition politicians accused the Scottish Government of having an energy policy which was “random in manner”. “The SNP’s energy policy is in meltdown,” said sustainable development spokesman for Labour, Iain Gray. “They are opposed to nuclear power and incapable of agreeing strategic renewable projects to replace it.”

LibDem energy spokesman, Liam McArthur, added: “Ministers cannot reject some energy forms and support others in such a random and populist manner.”

The announcement delighted opponents and environmental groups. But it dismayed Western Isles Council, which saw it as key to future economic prosperity, creating 400 jobs and bringing investment.

The developer, Lewis Wind Power, said it was “bitterly disappointed” by the decision.

Bill McAllister, of the Highland Renewable Energy Group, said: “The decision is a social and economic disaster for the Western Isles, but it raises major questions about the Scottish Government’s alleged commitment to renewable energy.

“The Scottish administration cannot decide to reject nuclear and opt for renewable energy instead and then reject the large-scale scheme without which the administration has no chance of reaching its own renewable energy supply targets.”

By David Ross
Highland Correspondent

The Herald

22 April 2008

This article is the work of the source indicated. Any opinions expressed in it are not necessarily those of National Wind Watch.

The copyright of this article resides with the author or publisher indicated. As part of its noncommercial educational effort to present the environmental, social, scientific, and economic issues of large-scale wind power development to a global audience seeking such information, National Wind Watch endeavors to observe “fair use” as provided for in section 107 of U.S. Copyright Law and similar “fair dealing” provisions of the copyright laws of other nations. Send requests to excerpt, general inquiries, and comments via e-mail.

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