Scot Lib Dems secure statement on Shell handing back ScotWind lease

Scottish Liberal Democrats have today secured a statement from the Scottish Government responding to the news that Shell and ScottishPower have ended a joint venture partnership covering two ScotWind offshore wind projects. 

The statement will be timetabled by the parliamentary bureau to take place in the next fortnight.

On Monday 10th November, it was announced that ScottishPower will take full control of the 3 GW MarramWind project, while Shell will return the lease for the 2 GW CampionWind project.

In response to the news Scottish Liberal Democrats immediately called for a minister to address parliament and answer questions.

Having secured the statement, Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP said:

“The withdrawal of Shell from these projects is not only bad news for Scotland’s transition to renewable sources of energy but bad news for public services too given that money from leasing these sites was supposed to flow into government coffers.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have been clear that Scottish ministers should come to Parliament to set out what will happen now and whether they have had discussions with any of the other winning bidders about handing back their leases.

"I am pleased the Scottish Government has agreed to my request for a statement.

"Reassurances need to be provided in the interest of public confidence, and for the manufacturing and supply chains that need built up to create good green jobs."