Scotland is to receive nearly £5m to build community renewable energy projects, through the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme.
These clean energy projects will be built in Scotland thanks to nearly £5m funding from Great British Energy and the UK Government.
In another step forward for the government’s Plan for Change, the Energy Secretary has today announced the first major project for Great British Energy – a company owned by the British people, for the British people – to invest in rooftop solar and community energy.
This includes funding for Scotland to roll out new renewable infrastructure such as hydropower, onshore wind, or solar, to provide clean power and jobs for communities in Scotland.
The funding will be delivered by the Scottish Government, and will further support its action to deliver more clean energy projects through its Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) which encourages local and community ownership of renewable energy projects across Scotland.
Households have been hit with rocketing energy bills in recent years, costing taxpayers millions of pounds.
Great British Energy’s investment into local renewable projects will give communities a stake in their energy supply.
It follows Great British Energy holding the first meeting of start-up board members in Aberdeen earlier this week to discuss next steps to get new clean energy projects up and running in Scotland – supporting the next generation of jobs.
UK Government Energy Secretary Ed Miliband (pictured) said: “Together with Great British Energy, we’re putting power back into the hands of the Scottish people by giving communities a stake in their energy supply and ensuring they can reap the benefits.
“This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, with lower bills and energy security for our country.”
UK Government Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “The first funding from Great British Energy will benefit communities across Scotland.
“Working alongside the Scottish Government we are backing local clean energy projects to help bring bills down while creating economic growth across the country.”
Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier said: “This funding will roll out clean, homegrown energy projects, crowd in investment and create job opportunities across Scotland.