- SP Energy Networks reveals major plans to support a low carbon Scotland
- Call for Scottish businesses, local authorities and public bodies to invest in green technology
- Scottish landmarks ‘go green’ to illuminate the call to action for businesses
- £20 million investment into projects that support the low carbon economy through the Green Economy Fund
SP Energy Networks has revealed major plans to help cities, towns and rural communities across the country achieve ‘net zero’ following the Scottish Government revealing the world’s most ambitious targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2045 and new UK Government legislation to achieve carbon neutral status by 2050.
SP Energy Networks, ScottishPower’s electricity grid across Central and Southern Scotland, has unveiled plans to support the electrification of transport networks across Scotland, boosts for innovative low carbon heat projects and training for young people interested in careers in renewable technologies.
Tonight, Scotland’s most iconic landmarks will turn green in support of ‘net zero’ - including Edinburgh Castle, Glasgow’s Riverside Museum, Dumfries Museum, ScottishPower HQ and Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders.
In lighting Scotland’s landmarks green, SP Energy Networks is urging businesses, local authorities and public bodies across Scotland to consider what ‘going green’ will mean for them and how their organisations will need to innovate in the future.
The switch-on will coincide with SP Energy Networks hosting an awards event at Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth to present £10million funding to innovative projects selected for investment through its Green Economy Fund. The funding boost will benefit 21 projects including e-bike and e-bus schemes, low carbon energy systems, community hubs and renewable energy training courses across Scotland.
The funding boost will benefit 21 projects including e-bike and e-bus schemes, low carbon energy systems, community hubs and renewable energy training courses across Scotland.
Frank Mitchell, Chief Executive of SP Energy Networks, said: “Becoming Net Zero offers Scotland a huge economic opportunity. The road to 2045 will mean many everyday activities will decarbonise and switch to all-electric technologies and it’s essential for businesses and communities to start planning now for the transition to a cleaner and greener future.”
“Through the Green Economy Fund, SP Energy Networks is investing £20million in Scottish projects that support low-carbon heating, electrification of transport and the education of a renewables workforce for a greener future. We’re encouraging businesses, local authorities and public bodies in Scotland to follow suit and ramp up their investment in the green economy.”
Much of the technology required to deliver on ‘net zero’ targets already exists but it will require significant investment from the public and private sector to roll it out across Scotland. SP Energy Networks has already committed £20million through the Green Economy Fund to kick-start the country’s most innovative projects that will grow Scotland’s green economy.
One of those projects is PeddleSMART, an e-bike research and development facility in Motherwell that is testing new technology such as e-bin bikes, heated food delivery bikes and e-tandems in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Adam Reid, CEO at PeddleSMART said: “We’re fundamentally changing the way that people, freight and local service teams travel across our towns and cities, reducing air pollution and congestion, and creating new jobs in the local community. The investment we’ve received from SP Energy Networks is helping us take our vehicle design to the next level and address transport challenges across multiple transportation markets – it’s a huge boost to Scotland’s green economy.”
SP Energy Networks is also playing its part through ongoing investment in electricity infrastructure, trialling solutions for public electric vehicle charging, and working with parent company ScottishPower on the provision of ground-breaking infrastructure to make Glasgow the UK’s first ‘net zero’ city.
Last year, ScottishPower became the first integrated energy company in the UK to shift completely from coal and gas generation to wind power – becoming 100% green. In March, it revealed a bold new vision to help Glasgow to reach ‘net zero’ through a partnership with Glasgow City Council.
The Green Economy Fund was established by SP Energy Networks in 2018 to support projects that will ultimately help the Scottish Government in reaching its green targets, which aim to boost local economic growth, improve air quality in our cities and deliver a better future, quicker for our communities.
For further information, or to arrange an interview with SP Energy Networks or any of the funded projects, please contact Emma Paul or Hamish Maclean by calling 0131 561 8628 or email greeneconomy@stripecommunications.com.