Joan McAlpine Welcomes the Green Energy Boost
Written by author on November 15, 2012
SNP MSP Joan McAlpine used parliamentary questions last week to ask Fergus Ewing, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism for assurance that the South of Scotland would benefit from the planned upgrade of the National Grid.
This significant investment by Scottish Power, a staggering £2.6 billion over 10 years, will connect renewables projects to the National Grid and is a direct result of the Scottish Government’s green energy policy.
Ms McAlpine, who has already been campaigning for communities in the region to engage with renewables firms to get the most out of Community Benefit Funds, is keen for the South of Scotland to benefit from economic and employment opportunities arising from investment.
Commenting, Ms McAlpine said:
“I am pleased that Scotland’s green energy policy is creating such massive economic opportunities for the South of Scotland.
“This is a huge investment in our region and I am determined that the people who live here reap the benefits. I am very pleased the Minister is engaging with Scottish Power to ensure this is the case.”
In his response the Cabinet Secretary highlighted key opportunities for the region:
“Early indications are that this investment programme will bring further employment, with approximately 450 new directly associated jobs being needed and many other opportunities locally.
“Additionally, through Skills Development Scotland we are supporting Scottish Power and Dumfries and Galloway College in order to develop specialist training provision to meet expected demand for trained linesmen in that area.”
Ms McAlpine will meet with representatives from Scottish Power herself on the 19th of November to discuss the benefits the grid upgrade will bring to the region.
