Scottish transport and heating schemes receive funding boost

Thirteen low-carbon transport and heating projects, including electric buses and water-powered underground heat pumps, are among the first beneficiaries of SP Energy Networks’ £20m Green Economy Fund.

The fund was established earlier this year by the electricity network operator and supports the Scottish Government’s green targets to boost local economic growth and improve air quality at the same time.

The grants awarded in the first funding round include £1.5million to establish Glasgow’s first permanent electric bus routes, the M3 First Glasgow service.

With support from SPT, two electric buses manufactured by Alexander Dennis will operate between Milton and Glasgow city centre serving over 200,000 passengers annually.

And £2.1million has also been awarded to support Scotland’s biggest and most ambitious regeneration project, the Clyde Gateway, to create a self-sufficient local energy supply and generate income that can be reinvested into local projects and reduce fuel poverty.

This will be achieved by introducing heat pump technology into its waste water treatment centre.

“There are many projects, large and small, which are carrying out innovative and inspiring work to expand Scotland’s green economy and accelerate local economic growth,” said SP Energy Networks chief executive, Frank Mitchell.

“The Green Economy Fund can provide them with the financial boost required to make great ideas a reality.

“The Scottish Government has an ambitious plan to reduce carbon emissions and to grow Scotland’s use of electric vehicles and SP Energy Networks is ready to help deliver that plan,” added Mitchell.

“We want to promote the uptake of electric vehicles and the development of the infrastructure required; we want to help with the provision of affordable low carbon heating to address fuel poverty and we want to encourage low carbon job creation.”

The Scottish trade minister, Ivan McKee, commented: “Innovation is key in supporting the decarbonisation of heat and transport – and delivering our vision of a whole energy system that works for everyone.

“Securing funding is a crucial first step for many projects, and initiatives such as the Green Economy Fund play a vital role in supporting investment in low carbon technologies.

“I am particularly pleased to see that the fund will target communities and social groups which may not have had the opportunity to fully engage in the transition to a low carbon economy but that deserve equal access to the benefits it can bring,” added McKee.