Scotland is ready to strengthen its European lead in both renewable energy and oil and gas by including carbon capture and storage, First Minister Alex Salmond said today.
The FM, who will be making an announcement on carbon capture later this week, said Scotland has the potential, ambition and natural resource to lead the way in capturing and safely storing carbon emissions.
"Europe recognises that through our natural resources we are leading the green, clean energy revolution. Our potential and readiness to capitalise on the capture and safe storage of carbon is the next step.
"Just last week, the Westminster Energy Minister announced that Scottish projects will be able to bid for up to £342.5m of European money for renewable energy and carbon capture projects following the publication of the EU's Economic Recovery Plan," he said.
The FM said renewable energy and carbon capture are paramount and are the key components in the fight to tackle climate change and rid Scotland's air of carbon emissions. The economic benefits are vast and must be played to the country's strengths to reap these benefits in full, especially in a recession.
Mr Salmond added: "The UK Government's announcement, last week, to establish four carbon capture demonstration projects in the UK is welcome. Scotland is ready now to lead on one or hopefully even two of these projects with Longannet in the front running position in terms of speed of delivery. Scotland will continue to work with the EU and UK Government to the benefit of our economy."
Delivering Carbon Capture and Storage will involve a mix of devolved and reserved powers, and the Scottish Government will be working with the UK to ensure that the proposed funding mechanisms maximise benefit to the power sector in Scotland.
(GK/JM)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
01/05/2024
GRAHAM has announced the start of construction work on a new £59m low-carbon development in Edinburgh which combines student flats, build-to-rent and affordable homes. The Burnet Point scheme in Abbey Lane is the first-ever mixed-use residential development of its kind by Unite Students, one of ...
01/05/2024
A groundbreaking ceremony has marked the start of the next major phase of works on the replacement development at Liberton High School. Contractor Balfour Beatty welcomed Head Teacher Alison Humphreys, current high school and primary school pupils who will be educated at the new school, and ...
01/05/2024
Scottish housebuilder, Springfield Properties, has signed a new £10 million contract to deliver affordable housing for Moray Council. The Group will receive funds from the sale of the land to Moray Council in the current financial year and the design and build phase, which accounts for the vast ...
01/05/2024
Consulting and engineering firm, Wood, has been awarded a new decarbonisation contract by TotalEnergies (TEPUK) to support flare gas recovery in the North Sea. The 23-month contract, part of the Elgin-Franklin Flare Gas Recovery System Project, follows Wood's successful completion of a field study ...
01/05/2024
The CCG Group has welcomed the news that they have received seven nominations across six categories at this year's Scottish Home Awards. The Scottish Home Awards is one of the most prestigious in the Scottish housing sector and are set to take place at a glitzy award ceremony on the 13th of ...
01/05/2024
SSEN Distribution has announced month-long programme of infrastructure upgrade works at Loch Ness, to improve the reliability of supplies to over 1,300 homes and businesses, as well as boosting network capacity. The project starts on 2 May and is scheduled to finish by the end of the month. Teams ...
01/05/2024
SSEN Transmission has announced the successful completion of the final phase of the new Port Ann to Crossaig electricity transmission line, after almost three years of construction. Supported on 148 new steel-lattice towers, the new line is designed to be more resilient in extreme weather events, ...
01/05/2024
National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has been announced as a double winner at this year's British Council of Offices (BCO) Regional Awards for Scotland. The project – developed by Morrison Construction on behalf of University of Strathclyde – was successful in the Corporate Workplace ...
01/05/2024
Perth & Kinross Council has announced that a restoration project on Crieff's 130-year-old Murray Fountain will get underway this month, The improvement project, which was announced last year, will see the James Square landmark's masonry repaired and repointed, as well as electrical works to ...
01/05/2024
The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to replacing the UK Government's Industrial Injuries Scheme in Scotland. Views are sought on how the Scottish Government's planned Employment Injury Assistance should be delivered and on the next steps for introducing this ...