Edward Mountain hosts successful Let’s Talk Energy Summit in Strathpeffer

Edward Mountain with panellists outside Strathpeffer Pavilion. Left to right: Kevin Blyth (Highland Fuels), Tim Dumenil (Storegga), Edward Mountain MSP, Greg Clarke (SSEN), Yvonne Crook (Highland Renewables).

Edward Mountain, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands region, hosted an Energy Summit on Friday 31st May in Strathpeffer.

The Summit, which was attended by over 70 people, was for local people and industry experts to come together and have a productive conversation on the future of Highland Energy.

Edward uncovered that people want to see a mix of different energy systems in the Highlands, rather than pure electrification. He noted the near-unanimous support for nuclear power within the audience.

Panellists included representatives from SSEN, Storegga, Highland Fuels, Highland Renewables, and the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association.

Edward said that the discussion would be useful to inform his work as Convener of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee on the views, wishes, and concerns of both the public and industry representatives.

Edward commented:

“I was excited to host the well-attended Let’s Talk Energy Summit in Strathpeffer on Friday, which was all about future energy, exploring options, and informing the public on how energy industries intend to work productively with communities towards Net Zero.

“We found a near-unanimous support for nuclear energy throughout the audience as part of our energy mix in the Highlands, and I feel that we ought to look at developing our power closer to where it is going to be used.”

“People in the Highlands understand better than anyone the need for different energy sources and energy security, as well as the many complexities of renewable energy.

“However, these communities won’t be walked over when it comes to infrastructure, and big companies need to understand that they must be honest about what they are planning in the medium and long-term.”