A total of 21 Scottish projects have been awarded a share of £10 million from SP Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund.
The money will be put towards a range of projects, from e-bike hire programmes, to electric bin lorries, and a community hydropower scheme
The fund, which is operated by SP Energy Networks, was established in 2018 with the aim of supporting projects that will aid the Scottish government in reaching its green targets, by promoting low-carbon heating, low-carbon transport, and the green education of Scotland’s workforce.
The latest round of funding was announced today (1 July) at the The Great Polish Map of Scotland, by Olympic cyclist Callum Skinner
Frank Mitchell, chief executive of SP Energy Networks, said: “We are delighted to recognise some of Scotland’s greenest and most innovative projects by awarding them funding to further their vital work.
“Scotland has always been a nation of innovators and today we are recognising 21 incredibly innovative projects. We believe in supporting our communities by investing directly in projects that deliver low carbon solutions and also create the economic benefits locally that can come from driving to zero carbon.”
Mike Thornton, group director of operations at Energy Saving Trust, the administrator for the Green Economy Fund, added: “This latest announcement shows how the Green Economy Fund continues to provide valuable funding to projects that will have a lasting and sustainable impact on Scotland’s green economy. We’re really looking forward to supporting fund recipients to deliver their projects.”
One of the projects receiving funding is SoulRiders, a cycling charity based in Glasgow. The charity aim to use the funding for a fleet of e-cargo bikes, providing Scotland’s first integrated cargo bike delivery and waste service.
Rashid Khaliq, chief executive of SoulRiders, commented: “At SoulRiders, our aim has always been to create stronger communities through cycling. Thanks to funding from the Green Economy Fund, we are now able to launch our new e-cargo bike service. We believe our project will reduce the number of vans and lorries on our streets and provides a solution to many issues including traffic and pollution in cities. We are proud to play our part in Scotland’s thriving green economy and to be receiving this crucial support from SP Energy Networks.”
At the end of June, the Scottish government announced it had allocated £20 million to support the uptake of electric vehicles. On a similar note, the UK government recently committed £26 million towards CCUS projects.