North East can be renewables 'powerhouse' - McInnes

12.00.00am GMT Thu 17th Jan 2008

Speaking during a Scottish Parliament debate on Energy, Liberal Democrat MSP for the North East, Alison McInnes has called on the government to increase investment in innovative renewables technology in the north east.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"We need the right energy strategy for the UK and we need a Scottish government which is willing to employ its powers to the best advantage.

"Forty years of experience have built Aberdeen into one of the most influential, innovative and proactive energy cities in the world. Many leading international energy companies are headquartered there with 16 per cent of the region's employment in the energy industry.

"There is a massive bank of knowledge and expertise in Aberdeen City and Shire. The North East is rich in natural resources such as forests wind and wave. The government must harness these resources with that knowledge and ensure that the North East continues to be the powerhouse not only for Scotland's economy but also for our future energy needs.

"I want to see the SNP commit to a second round of the Biomass Support Scheme. The first round, introduced by Nicol Stephen and the Liberal Democrats, was a great success, generating an investment of around £6m in the North East alone."