THE number of community-owned renewable energy projects in Scotland has surged by 62% since 2011 – with over 450 local communities now benefitting from green power initiatives.
Initiatives such as the Community Empowerment Act and the Local Energy Challenge Fund have helped support communities to develop their own low-carbon energy
This has allowed 456 communities to benefit from wind, solar, hydro, heat pump and biomass projects across the country, a growth of over 62% in the last 7 years, according to stats from the independent Scottish Parliament Information Centre.
READ MORE: Huge spike in electricity from renewables leads to record year
SNP MSP Gillian Martin, who sits on Holyrood’s Economy Committee, said: “Renewable energy is the future – and it’s incredible to see so many communities already benefitting from these projects.
“The rapid increase in community-owned green energy projects can not only help communities cut down on their carbon footprint, but it will also save them money – providing them with the energy they need now and in the future as the technology progresses further.
“And as the planet continues to warm and the devastating impact of climate change hits communities across the globe, the need for these small, community-based projects becomes ever more important as we seek a sustainable future.
“This is why it is so short sighted that the Tories have cut subsidies for the renewable sector – we need to support this technology and help it develop and succeed for the good of the environment, public health and the economy. The Tories should be reinstating subsidies and supporting this sector as a matter of urgency.
READ MORE: Scotland named UK's 'renewables powerhouse' as non-carbon output rises
“Despite these challenges, it is excellent to see communities across Scotland benefitting with continued Scottish Government investment – and it’s clear that this is a sector that will continue to thrive for decades to come with the right support.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here