Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Offshore Wind: Employment

Wednesday 17 May 2023 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions focus on maximizing employment and community benefits in Scotland's offshore wind sector.
  • The UK Government aims to support port infrastructure for offshore wind manufacturing through funding schemes.
  • Improving site approval processes for marine energy developments could enhance tidal stream power projects.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kenny MacAskill
Scotland Energy Business & Trade
Context

The MP notes that Scotland is losing out on employment opportunities and community benefits in the offshore wind sector compared to Ireland.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues and the Scottish Government on maximising employment opportunities in the offshore wind sector? It is not just about employment but also about community benefit, where Ireland ensures €24 million per annum goes to coastal communities hosting offshore renewable projects. In East Lothian, there will be turbines coming ashore at Cockenzie and Torness without any provision for offshore wind and onshore communities.

Answer from John Lamont

The future for Scotland's offshore wind sector is bright. As part of our “Powering up Britain” package, the floating offshore wind manufacturing investment scheme is currently open to applications. Through the scheme, we will distribute funding to support critical port infrastructure that will enable the delivery of floating offshore wind and provide quality employment opportunities for years to come.

Partly answered

Not addressed: €24 million per annum community benefit provision in Ireland

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Q2 Kenny MacAskill
Climate Environment
Context

The MP highlights the disparity between Irish and UK community benefits for hosting offshore renewable energy projects.

Question

In Ireland, €24 million per annum goes to coastal communities hosting offshore renewable projects. In the UK, there is a legislative gap preventing similar provisions for onshore communities hosting offshore wind energy. East Lothian has Cockenzie and Torness where energy will come ashore with turbines in sight; what share should communities like these have?

Answer from John Lamont

The growth of our green industries will lead to new jobs and many benefits for our communities. We are producing a net zero and nature workforce action plan in 2024 with initial proposals from the net zero power and networks pilot working group followed by comprehensive actions by summer 2023.

Partly answered

Not addressed: €24 million per annum community benefit provision in Ireland

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Q3 Richard Graham Con
Climate Scotland Energy
Context

The MP raises the importance of marine energy, particularly tidal stream, for Scotland's renewable energy sector.

Question

Marine Scotland needs to increase the speed at which it approves sites for future tidal stream developments under contracts for difference. The European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney highlights this issue. Does he agree that improving site approval processes could enhance marine energy development?

Answer from John Lamont

Scotland has benefited from contracts for difference, which is a Government flagship support scheme for large-scale renewable projects. In relation to tidal, round 4 awarded over 40 MW of new tidal stream power.

Partly answered

Not addressed: speed of approving sites for tidal stream development

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Q4 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
Climate Energy Business & Trade
Context

The MP criticises the UK Government for lacking an energy strategy and delivering on promises in Scotland's renewable sector.

Question

The UK Government lacks a proper energy strategy, focusing instead on short-term solutions funded by taxpayers. The Scottish Government failed to deliver promised jobs and missed climate targets according to the STUC report. Does he agree that Labour has a better solution for creating high-quality, well-paid renewable jobs?

Answer from John Lamont

The hon. Member is correct to highlight the targets missed by the SNP Government in Edinburgh. The UK Government are determined to maximise opportunities for Scottish workforce growth in renewables.

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Q5 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
Climate Environment
Context

The MP criticises the UK Government for allowing raw sewage dumping and failing to deliver on renewable energy jobs.

Question

This UK Government's refusal to stop pumping raw sewage into waterways is a disgraceful practice. With both Governments allowing this scandal, why should people believe in promises about green jobs and renewable industries when they are not being kept?

Answer from John Lamont

The UK Government have a proud record of tackling sewage discharges, highlighting that the policy is devolved to the Scottish Government. The SNP has allowed sewage dumping in Scotland's waters, including environmentally protected sites.

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