Kenny MacAskill MP column: The right place for energy

Energy is flowing but how to maximise the benefits for the county remains the critical question. Transmission stations and upgrading the national grid are essential but other aspects also arise which are seeing planning applications for sites. Many proposals are sensible but their location is the issue.

Long duration energy storage batteries store the energy when the grid is at capacity. That’s sensible as it avoids switching off wind turbines and paying a premium to suppliers when it can be stored and transmitted when capacity exists. It also allows for other spin-offs from the energy.

One spin-off is hydrogen. Producing it requires energy and water, so siting plants close to the turbines or where it comes ashore is common sense. It offers huge opportunities for green fuel for transport and household heating, as well as business and work opportunities locally. The production of ammonia is another possibility and required for agriculture and other sectors.

East Lothian's MP Kenny MacAskill

East Lothian is at the centre of the renewable revolution. But it mustn’t just see transmission stations constructed and the energy cabled south. There must be opportunities for businesses to base themselves here and for the community to benefit from the work that comes with them.

Much of it is skilled engineering jobs. It’s the line of work that many young people are crying out for and seeking the chance of an apprenticeship.

So the industries and sites should be welcome. But where should they be sited?

The county has existing brownfield sites at Cockenzie and at Torness, the landbank is far greater than simply the nuclear power station site. That’s where much should be hubbed, not on arable land and adjacent to small communities. Similarly, solar panels on housing are sensible but solar farms aren’t needed here. On and offshore wind is what should be prioritised here, but in the right area. The county must benefit from this bounty.