So, a renewable energy executive argues in favour of renewables. In the words of Mandy Rice-Davis, "Well, he would, wouldn't he?"

A couple of pedantic points:

"If Scotland is to *become* a net exporter of energy ..." Scotland is already a net exporter of energy; the correct word is "remain".

"Large-scale sites must play a role in meeting targets and in minimising the overall environmental impact of wind farms in Scotland." I'm (usually) a fan of wind power, but I can think of better ways of minimising the environmental impact of wind farms than building bloody great wind farms. Anyone?

"Scottish & Southern Electricity" That's Scottish and Southern Energy.

Sad to say that Scotland will not become a leader in renewables technologies unless there is a significant change in attitude by the financial institutions and they show their preparedness to get behind some of the technology ideas even at a very early stage.

This article really makes me puke, never have I read such unadulterated trash coming from a windy whos only motive is profit. I notice that he does not mention having ex energy minister Brian Wilson as his chief honcho for Scotland. The same Brian Wilson who got David Still ex Amec wind and BWEA hit man the job of renewable energy adviser with the DTI who at that time was run by Patricia Hewitt ex Andersen consulting who were in bed with Enron the collapsed energy giant.
Alan Baker should crawl back into the hole he came out of and leave our hills and glens alone.

"The country can benefit financially from the supply chain infrastructure required to support a vibrant renewables sector.” Eh???.
For “country” read “my company”
“benefit financially” – “get a quick subsidised bung”
“supply chain infrastructure” – “lots and lots of cheap labour
“vibrant renewables sector” – your guess is as good as mine. The spell checker and my dictionary do not recognise “renewables”.
Oh and by the way , I want you (taxpayer or consumer) to pay for power lines capable of carrying all the power generated by my money spinners in a light gale but for most of the time will carry enough electricity to induce a warm glow in a light bulb.

Congrats 3 & 4, right on the money, as you might say..

This is yet another example of the biased and unchallenged utterings from those who are making their fortunes from windmills at the expense of the electricity consumer.
It's long past time for the powers that be developed a long term energy strategy for our country rather than relying on piecemeal developments (largely windmills) by developers and landowners driven by financial gain.
Any energy strategy founded on such a platform and also based on the hope that future developments will fit the bill are a recipe for disaster

why an Irish company?