This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Multi million pound investment in 'green' energy
24/05/2006
A £20 million investment is to be provided to back the Executive's Clean Energy Startegy which aims to make Scotland the renewable energy powerhouse of Europe, a special conference in Aberdeen was told today.
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen announced details of:
- an allocated £20 million of renewable energy funding to be spent over the next two years
- an environmental study to help the development of off-shore wind projects
- specific financial support for biomass, hydrogen, marine and microrenewables
The Minister said that investing in a diverse range of renewables would not only help tackle climate change, but would have a positive effect on Scotland's economic potential.
He continued:
"I want to Scotland to become the renewable energy powerhouse of Europe. To achieve this, we need to harness the great diversity of resource we have - the wind, the waves, the tides and the forests that make Scotland's renewable potential the envy of the world.
"In the last three years, we have invested around 100m pounds in renewables and energy efficiency support. This has had a big, positive impact but the time is right to pick up the pace.
"Over the next two years, on top of continuing renewable and energy efficiency project funding, we are providing specific extra support of £20 million for biomass, marine energy, hydrogen and fuel cell projects and microrenewables.
"Wind energy is already making a significant contribution in Scotland. It has helped add consent for a massive 1,500 MegaWatts of renewable energy capacity in the past three years, a big step forward towards meeting and exceeding our 2010 and 2020 targets.
"We are also determined to fulfil our massive potential for marine energy.
"We have already pledged support for the Pelamis and Talisman projects. We have invested in the marine testing facility on Orkney. And today I am making an extra 8m pounds available for further developments in Scotland, money to help get projects in the water around our coast.
"Interest in off-shore wind development is increasing, and I can announce today our intention to carry out a strategic environmental assessment to provide vital extra support to this sector.
"Biomass also has real potential. It could provide significant levels of affordable heat and power for remote and rural communities, supporting the creation of two thousand jobs. We will put an extra £7.5 million into supporting biomass development over the next two years.
"I am also releasing £1.5 million to support development of hydrogen and fuel cells - over and above the millions already allocated by ITI Energy to build Scottish innovation.
"And only last week, I announced that we were adding an extra £3 million to support microrenewables, taking our support here to more than 16m pounds in six years.
"We are determined to not only meet but exceed our renewable energy and carbon reduction targets. The actions I am announcing today will help us make real progress. So too will energy efficiency measures, where we will spend at least £35 million over the next three years.
"Renewable energy development can also bring enormous economic rewards. For example, developing domestic and global markets for wave and tidal power could be worth billions of pounds over the coming years
"We have already seen wave generation machines being made in Scotland and exported across Europe. By offering increased support to the sector and driving down the costs of production, we can help ensure that Scotland receives more than its fair share of that international market.
"Be in no doubt about my desire to see this country become a renewable giant. Our priorities are now clear. Let's deliver a renewable future for Scotland."
The Executive is committed to having 18 per cent of electricity generated from renewables sources by 2010, rising to 40 per cent by 2020.