Council leader wants to press UK Government on green energy infrastructure support
East Ayrshire Council will press the UK Government on the level of support it will provide to help the transition to net zero, if a motion to council is approved.
SNP Council Leader, Councillor Douglas Reid, says that it is vital that the Labour Government provides clarity on the issue, emphasising the need to back companies to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place.
He cited an agreement between HALO Kilmarnock and the subsea cabling manufacturer XLCC that could see the latter set up a headquarters in the HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre, along with more than 300 jobs.
His motion states: 'XLCC plan to bring 1200 new jobs to Ayrshire with the UK's first high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable factory in Hunterston and this partnership will result in more than 300 high-quality jobs being brought to Kilmarnock.'
This would cover a wide range of professional disciplines including finance, sales, marketing, HR, skills development, digital and cyber security, design, engineering and project management, he added.
Cllr Reid's motion continues: 'An investment of this magnitude will boost the economy and be a catalyst for regenerating the engineering sector both locally and regionally.
'This agreement in principle is to be welcomed as it will increase energy resilience within the UK while supporting our communities with high quality jobs.
'However, I am aware that clarification is required from the UK Government on proposals to deliver the green investment strategy and how they will support UK companies to develop and fund major infrastructure projects in the short term prior to worldwide contracts being realised over the next five years which will support the Just Transition towards Net Zero.
'I would therefore propose that the Council write to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to request an early meeting to clarify the UK Government's proposals to progress the delivery of this project at pace.'
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