Prospect of cuts in subsidies for renewable energy developments causes alarm as oil giants lose interest in sector

The SNP Government’s predictions of a boom in renewables developments look increasingly fanciful as doubts grow about the potential of an industry it has put huge faith in.

Ministers have held out the prospect of a surge in floating windfarm developments off Scotland, which they claim will help the country make up for past disappointments.

However, the outlook for the floating wind sector darkened last week as the UK energy minister signalled public funding for expensive renewables developments will be cut.

The warning will alarm the SNP Government which reckons Scotland is ideally placed to benefit from the promised floating windfarm revolution.

Under the leadership of SNP administrations since 2007, Scotland has seen the benefits resulting from the development of windfarms fixed to its seabed hogged by firms based outside country.

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SNP ministers have claimed Scotland can expect to become a global leader in the development of floating windfarms, as they could be deployed in deep water off the country to harness strong and persistent winds.

They have had the gall to boast that Scotland’s case for leadership is reinforced by its oil and gas heritage although SNP Governments have turned against the industry.

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon opposed plans for the giant Cambo oil field development off Shetland as she courted the Scottish Greens. The draft energy strategy published on her watch recommended a  presumption against further North Sea exploration.

Humza Yousaf slammed the former Conservative Government for approving plans for the Rosebank development West of Shetland.

While current FM John Swinney has criticised the North Sea windfall........

© Herald Scotland