Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD VISITS FORRES RENEWABLES COMPANY

Richard Lochhead MSP recently met with renewable energy company AES Solar at their headquarters in Forres.  AES Solar, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year are one of the oldest solar companies in Europe.

Mr Lochhead and AES Solar have now issued a reminder to community groups and local charities that they have until 31st March to pre-register for the Feed-in Tariff scheme.  The UK Government scheme is set to come to an end at the end of the month, however, local groups can still apply and benefit if they register before the deadline. 

The Feed-in Tariff scheme is designed to encourage small scale renewable projects and users can be paid for the electricity they generate if they have installed an eligible system, such as solar panels.

Speaking after the meeting Moray’s MSP said:

“It was fantastic to meet the team at AES Solar at its headquarters in Forres and hear how this local renewable business continues to grow.  AES has developed partnerships with some big household names, showing that they are not only one of the oldest solar companies in Europe but also one of the most trusted.

“One of the issues we discussed was the end of the Feed-in Tariff scheme at the end of the month – where community groups or charities can install a small scale renewables system, such as solar panels, and can then be paid for the energy they generate.  This might be the kind of project that many local groups in Moray are considering and if so, it is important that they pre-register by the 31st March deadline.

“Given the real need for us to move to renewable technologies to generate energy, there’s huge potential for companies such as AES Solar to grow, creating exciting career opportunities for young people.  AES employ a number of graduates including many who hail from Moray – it is great to have these job opportunities available on our doorstep.”

AES Solar Managing Director, George Goudsmit added:

“We are an extremely busy, innovative company with a growing workforce and order book. The demand for clean, green and low cost energy is appealing to every household and business out there. It was good to have our local MSP visiting us and taking such an interest in our work and meeting our staff.”