Seòmar agus comataidhean

On the risks of not being prompt in accelerating all the decision making, you talked about a number of issues. The committee has acknowledged that we will pursue planning consents with our minister. However, on SMEs and supply chains, if the markets are really opening up—for good reason—in the US and the EU, in particular, we must make sure that we have people with the right skills. It is not just about infrastructure. Do you acknowledge that?

We have had hydro for a long time, and, as you will be aware, there are significant proposals for its expansion in Scotland that are being held up. You said that talks are going on, but the proposals are being held up. Is there an understanding of the need for pace—which we heard about from your colleague—and flexibility to ensure that we have access to this fantastic resource?

I want to press you on your decision making. Once you have the recommendations, what do you see as being a successful timescale for making decisions that will make a difference? The risks are very high.

So, it becomes an argument whether it is in the interests of consumers to have renewable energy—full stop.

My next question leads on from that. What are the expected timescales for the completion and implementation of that transmission network systems change and for your review of the electricity market arrangements?

You walked into that, minister.

The issue of competitive advantage is key. We have world-leading skills and experience. Scotland has fantastic renewables opportunities in terms of the pwer that can be generated from the wind, although it is not being serviced properly by the grid. However, one thing that will not be competitive is transmission charges for the generators. When we know that we face increasing competition coming at us from elsewhere, we have to take advantage of the window of opportunity, but uncompetitive transmission charges for our generators are a real disincentive to investment. What can be done about that? What has been done more recently? Do you recognise that the generation of renewable energy in Scotland is at a severe disadvantage to that elsewhere in the UK and the rest of Europe?

I am sure that you are, but the Treasury is making the decisions. What does it need to speed up its decision making?

Welcome to the committee, minister. Hydro is obviously not a nascent issue.

My final question is: what impact will the establishment of the future systems operator have on whole energy systems planning? Will the FSO provide certainty about what, where and when the infrastructure needs to be built? You use the term “we” quite a lot, but it is actually private companies that are going to invest the billions of pounds. What can the establishment of the FSO do to provide certainty to enable businesses to invest?

Finally—