- Funding for renewable and energy efficiency training centres at Scotland’s colleges
- Battery storage technology creating a ‘virtual power plant’ for 150 social housing homes in Dumfries & Galloway
- Scotland’s first electric cargo bike delivery service in Glasgow
- Infrastructure supporting the roll out of the Transport for Edinburgh’s e-bike scheme
A total of 21 Scottish projects have been awarded a share of £10million from the Green Economy Fund to help them pursue their green ambitions.
The funding announcement will see SP Energy Networks support a range of innovative projects, from e-bike hire schemes and electric bin lorries, through to a micro heat network and community hydropower station.
The Green Economy Fund was established in 2018 to support projects that will ultimately help the Scottish Government in reaching its green targets, which aim to boost local economic growth, improve air quality in our cities and deliver a better future, quicker for our communities. The fund does this by helping projects that promote low-carbon heating, low-carbon transport, or the education of Scotland’s workforce for a greener future.
The latest round of funding, which benefits projects across the length and breadth of Scotland, was announced at The Great Polish Map of Scotland in Peebles by champion cyclist, Callum Skinner. The Olympian is passionate about the environment and switched his track bike for an e-bike to show the range of low-carbon choices available to Scots.
Frank Mitchell, Chief Executive of SP Energy Networks, said: “We are delighted to recognise some of Scotland’s greenest and most innovative projects by awarding them funding to further their vital work.
“Scotland has always been a nation of innovators and today we are recognising 21 incredibly innovative projects. We believe in supporting our communities by investing directly in projects that deliver low carbon solutions and also create the economic benefits locally that can come from driving to zero carbon.
“At SP Energy Networks, we share the Scottish Government’s vision of making a cleaner, greener Scotland by accelerating our green economy in order to deliver a better future quicker for our communities.”
Mike Thornton, Group Director of Operations at Energy Saving Trust, the administrator for the Green Economy Fund, said: “This latest announcement shows how the Green Economy Fund continues to provide valuable funding to projects that will have a lasting and sustainable impact on Scotland’s green economy. We’re really looking forward to supporting fund recipients to deliver their projects.’
One project receiving funding from the Green Economy Fund, is SoulRiders, a cycling charity based in the Pollokshields area of Glasgow. The funding will allow the charity to launch a fleet of e-cargo bikes, providing Scotland’s first integrated cargo bike delivery and waste service.
Rashid Khaliq, Chief Executive, SoulRiders, said: “At SoulRiders, our aim has always been to create stronger communities through cycling. Thanks to funding from the Green Economy Fund, we are now able to launch our new e-cargo bike service. We believe our project will reduce the number of vans and lorries on our streets and provides a solution to many issues including traffic and pollution in cities. We are proud to play our part in Scotland’s thriving green economy and to be receiving this crucial support from SP Energy Networks.”