Build Scotland Construction Directory
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Share this page
Construction News
04/01/2010

FM Predicts 'Renewables Revolution'

Construction News Image
Scotland needs the power to manage its own natural resources so it can become the energy powerhouse of Europe, First Minister Alex Salmond said in his New Year message.

Mr Salmond predicted a 'renewables revolution' emanating from a Scotland which had won the 'natural lottery' - with wind, wave and tidal resources offering the capacity to produce some 10 times Scotland's own electricity requirements.

The FM pointed to the Climate Change Act - setting legally binding targets to cut Scottish greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent and 80 per cent by 2020 and 2050 respectively - as the most important legislation passed by the Parliament in 2009, even although world leaders in Copenhagen had failed to commit fully to a way forward.

"In Copenhagen I spoke about Scotland's energy potential, our green energy potential, our ambition to be the energy powerhouse of Europe," he said.

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

"Many countries saw the lead that Scotland was taking as an example of the legislation and of the action that must be taken to protect our planet collectively. Despite the disappointment of Copenhagen, people power internationally will force political leadership to commit to the ambitious targets for their countries that Scotland has already set."

But the FM added that Scotland must get the benefit of its own resources if it was to become a major exporter and the energy powerhouse of the Europe.

He said: "Even now, we're being held back in the exploitation of these renewables because we now have to pay in Scotland much higher connection charges to the electricity grid than companies have to pay south of the border. That's totally unfair and totally unacceptable.

"If we're going to make the most of this renewable revolution, then we're going to have to have equal access to the grid - and the powers for our Parliament to secure that proper access."

The FM noted that the people of Scotland should be given their say in making sure that their parliament can extend its powers to have the ability to mobilise the resources of Scotland for Scotland's benefit.

"The referendum on the constitution is not an abstraction - it's not something for politicians. It's something for every person in Scotland. Because if we're going to harness the power of Scotland, then we need to give Scotland power," he concluded.

(GK)

Latest Construction News

02/05/2024

Malin Group has secured planning permission in principle for its proposed development of the Scottish Marine Technology Park (SMTP). Malin Group's vision for the site is to deliver a state-of-the-art marine excellence hub which will bring together manufacturers with marine and renewables ...
02/05/2024

Fleming Building has officially broken ground on the development of the multi-million pound Bishopton Dargavel Satellite Facility. Working alongside Hub West Scotland and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde through a detailed pre-construction period, designs were developed to meet a range of requirements ...
02/05/2024

Aberdeenshire Council has announced the installation of a downstream defender as part of ongoing works to restore and improve the ponds at Denman Park in Westhill. The popular ponds in Denman Park are home to a wide variety of pondlife and wildlife but have been subject to pollution from a range ...
02/05/2024

Contractors RJ McLeod are on schedule to complete the construction of a new Largs seawall in North Ayrshire. The £4.6m project is almost complete with the northern section of the promenade expected to re-open to pedestrians before the summer season gets under way. The project has seen the ...
02/05/2024

Scottish Water has announced the successful completion of a major technological transformation of Glasgow's Victorian era Partick Pumping Station. Built some 120 years ago, the pumping station remains a key part of the city's waste water infrastructure and still serves 170,000 people. It is one of ...
02/05/2024

SSEN Transmission has committed to consider community and landowner proposed alignments as part of its Kintore-Tealing 400kV project. These alignments - which will be assessed in parallel with other alignment options within the refined routes SSEN Transmission recently consulted on - are around ...
02/05/2024

SSEN Distribution has announced that it has chosen Electron's 'ElectronConnect' platform to streamline and expand its procurement of Flexibility Services. The company's DSO Acceleration Action Plan identified the selection of a new Flexibility Market Platform during the Spring of 2024 as a key ...
02/05/2024

West Dunbartonshire Council has declared a housing emergency, highlighting the unprecedented pressures on the ability to meet the needs of those in social housing or seeking a Council property. Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, who is the Convener of Housing and Communities, made the declaration ...
02/05/2024

The Highland Council has submitted its response to the Scottish Government's consultation on Masterplan Consent Areas (MCA), developed by members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee. The Scottish Government is proposing the introduction of discretionary powers to establish Masterplan ...
02/05/2024

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve biodiversity across the region, Perth and Kinross Council has announced an extension of its Grassland Management Trials, following successes at 42 other sites. These areas of longer grass will create space for nature and help attract bees, butterflies and ...
Morris & Spottiswood LtdRBT Underfloor LimitedMaterials Market LtdToner Damp Proofing SuppliesNo HydroBurnside Plant Hire LtdKattrak International Hidromek SalesScotdeck LtdThe Big Block Co LtdSafe Access (Highland) Ltd.
Terms and Conditions
2024/05/03 01:59:46