First Minister Alex Salmond has accused the Labour Party of an “inept lack of ambition” for Dundee and Fife’s renewables future.
Responding to claims by Labour leader Ed Miliband that the SNP were misleading the public with “false promises” on the issue, Mr Salmond insisted his vision was realistic and backed by the industry.
“We have met every target on renewables thus far and we will meet this one,” he said.
The SNP have pledged to ensure that Scotland will produce as much electricity from renewable energy as it consumes by the end of the decade. The vision is seen as crucial for areas such as Dundee and Methil which are hoping to capitalise on the renewables market.
The SNP manifesto, Re-elect A Scottish Government Working For Scotland, claims developing the low-carbon economy will create around 130,000 jobs.
SNP finance secretary John Swinney visited the renewables company Burntisland Fabrications in Methil to unveil his party’s vision.
But speaking to The Courier last week Mr Miliband insisted the SNP had “no strategy” for bringing the plans to fruition and said the promises would be broken.
“There is no point making these promises you can’t keep because you just increase cynicism about politics,” he said.
In response, the SNP issued an endorsement of their renewables policy from one of Scotland’s leading businessmen, Clyde Blowers chairman Jim McColl.
The Glasgow-based firm is aiming to grow its presence in the renewables market and is known to be looking at possible opportunities in Dundee.’Bravehearts not fainthearts'”Some people are seriously underestimating what Scotland can achieve from renewable power and how quickly,” he said. “Renewable capacity equivalent to 100% of gross demand is perfectly possible by 2020 as part of a wider energy mix.
“This will mean thousands of jobs, particularly in marine energy. Achieving this target requires both determination and leadership. For energy policy it is time for bravehearts not fainthearts.”
Mr Salmond welcomed the backing of Mr McColl and attacked Mr Miliband’s “droning negativity”.
“Jim McColl is one of Scotland’s leading industrialists and, incidentally, one of the men most likely to bring renewables jobs to Dundee,” he told The Courier. “We already have the backing of Burntisland Fabrications managing director John Robertson.”
Mr Salmond added, “These are the job creators of Scotland that are behind the plans. I am amazed that Ed Miliband has the audacity to come to Dundee and Fife with his lack of knowledge and ambition and talk down our chances of becoming a renewable centre.
“Dundee and Fife could be the epicentre of this renewables revolution and instead we have the moaning, droning, negativity of the Labour Party. We have met every target on renewables before and we will meet this one.”
Dundee’s bid to become a renewable energy driver was said to have made a “big early win” in January when Spanish energy giant Gamesa signalled its intent to set up in the city and create 200 jobs.