Conference in Oban, and a green future

As promised, an update from Scottish conference in Oban. The highlight was Iain Gray's speech, which really showed how he stands apart from the bluster of Alex Salmond. This is a man with clear ideas for Scotland and a commitment to get things done. Which is pretty much what I said when interviewed by the BBC's Brian Taylor after the speech on TV! You can see footage on the iPlayer for the next 5 days here.

I was also pleased to be able to give a speech to conference on the future for the renewables industry in Scotland. I called for the Scottish Government to provide investment certainty to the private sector through a clear roadmap of where offshore wind turbines are going to go, where they'll be constructed, and the ports they'll be launched from. Only with that sort of government direction will we attract investment, ensure that the jobs generated stay in Scotland, and meet our 2020 electricty generation targets.

Can we rely on the current SNP government to provide it? Well, coincidently, Alex Salmond today announced a grand talking shop where he will ask Aberdeen oil and gas companies to work with renewables companies to help claim for Scotland the 'estimated £7bn of investment up of grabs'. He believes "There are clear opportunities for joint working and learning between the oil and gas and renewables sectors". This is true in part - in the areas of subsea cable and pipe laying, and in the foundations for the turbine jackets. Maybe some surveying work as well. However there are a number of flaws with this proposal:

1. These sectors are only part of the services necessary for a large scale offshore wind rollout. Who is going to make the turbines for example? 
2. The fact is, most oil and gas companies now manufacture the platforms and jackets in Asia, whilst we want them constructed in Scotland, for Scottish jobs.
3. Most oil service companies are looking to expand their core business overseas, not diversify in to other sectors, as rightly pointed out by the author of http://otheraberdeen.blogspot.com/ 
4. Where is this £7bn of investment? Has anyone seen it?

Mere weeks ago, the Danish company Vestas were axing plants and jobs across Europe because a lack of investment and long term certainty. All Alex Salmond has done is get the oil field service companies together for a chat about something they are not interested it, with no indication of future work. 

If we're really serious about meeting the 2020 80% renewable energy target, and making sure Scottish offshore wind results in Scottish onshore jobs, we need more than just a chin wag. Government needs to provide direction, and as per my speech at conference, I'm confident Labour will provide it.