The Scottish Greens’ lead candidate for the Highlands and Islands region has called for a new deal for Scotland’s wind power supply to meet future demand for electricity as fossil fuels are phased out .

Ariane Burgess believes a new deal could create hundreds of supply chain jobs across the country, including in Moray.

The Scottish Manifesto pledges to replace existing turbines with newer, more powerful models, doubling the size of the industry.

The aim is to facilitate investment in onshore wind, provided that at least 70% of the supply chain in Scotland is retained.

Ariane Burgess said: “Renewable energies are absolutely essential to meet climate goals and ensure our survival.

“Onshore wind is already a major contributor to Scotland’s energy mix, but it has stagnated under the UK and Scottish governments.

“As we move to electric transportation and heating solutions, demand will increase, as will the onshore wind sector.

“This is why the Scottish Greens are proposing a new wind power deal to encourage the industry to modernize existing turbines and grow.

“We would ensure the Scottish supply chain is protected, which could create jobs for Moray in the process.

“It would be good for the planet, but also for our communities. Scotland can be a leader in renewables and Moray could be at the forefront of that, but only if we invest in it. Our future depends on it. “

The Scots pledge to modernize existing wind farms and ensure delivery of an additional 8 GW of onshore wind by 2030, creating 3,200 jobs and 3,000 more in the supply chain.

The party also wants at least 20% of new wind farms to be community owned and will demand that all new onshore wind farms have a net positive impact on nature, for example through peatland and habitat restoration.

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