Scotland’s low-carbon infrastructure is to reeceive a £43 million boost after the devolved government awarded funding to 13 projects around the nation.
The grants, which came via the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme, will be matched by at least £43 million of additional investment from public and private sector partners.
“These projects have great potential to help us tackle climate change, and remain at the forefront of low carbon and renewable innovation,” said Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, announcing the funding at a conference in Glasgow. “They will also bring economic benefits – in terms of savings and jobs – to local areas across the country.
“Scotland has some of the most ambitious emissions reduction targets in the world. Over the past 10 years, our pattern of energy consumption has changed considerably, helping us to meet – and exceed – our 2020 target for reducing energy consumption, six years early.
“We are determined to build on this success, and we are now seeking views on a new target through our draft energy strategy – for 50 per cent of our energy consumption – spanning heat, transport and electricity – to be met by renewables by 2030.”
The projects include an innovative local energy system on Fair Isle, an energy storage development in Shetland and low-carbon heat networks in Dundee, Stirling, Clydebank and Glenrothes.
Also on the list is the installation by Star Renewable Energy of a heat pump on the River Clyde to serve the Gorbals area of Glasgow.
Dave Pearson, the company’s director, said: “The support provided by the Scottish government through the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme has recognised both the technical and commercial potential of our project in Glasgow’s Gorbals.
“The programme is providing excellent support in placing a high temperature river heat pump – the largest in the UK – at the Clyde to supply clean, low carbon heat to buildings in the Gorbals, helping us to collectively work to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in Scotland.”
The Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme is a partnership between the Scottish government and Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Futures Trust and Resource Efficient Scotland. The programme is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.