A LEADING think tank has backed Nicola Sturgeon’s proposal for an oil fund to help Scotland switch to a greener economy. Business for Scotland (BfS) “warmly welcomed” the First Minister’s announcement that at least £1 billion should be set aside to support a “just transition” for areas where the oil and gas industry is a major employer. The fund would be ringfenced from £8.5bn in revenues raised by the oil and gas sector over the next five years, based on forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The money would be channelled to areas such as the north east, Falkirk and Shetland to aid the “transition to new low or no carbon industries”. BfS founder and chief executive Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp hailed the move in a post on the think tank’s website.
The National 12th Nov 2019 read more »
A report commissioned by industry body Scottish Renewables has found that the Scottish government could see the equivalent of 460,000 homes heated renewably by 2030. The report used information collected by CAG Consultants concerning the type and volume of potential heat network projects across Scotland’s seven cities, gathering information from local authorities and industry professionals. These heat networks deliver heat collected from a number of sources including rivers, sewers and incinerators to buildings through a network of underground pipes. The research cited examples such Denmark, where the capital city of Copenhagen is entirely heated through heat networks, as proof that the technology was well-established. The research identified 46 potential heat network projects, consisting of 40 areas of opportunity or expansion from existing networks and six firm prospects with detailed information.
Power Technology 12th Nov 2019 read more »