The Highland Council has approved a report aimed at unlocking the renewable energy potential in the region.
Opportunities highlighted in the report included a number of ways in which community benefits could be developed to deliver better outcomes for the Highlands.
During the debate at full Council on 14 December it was agreed that the Highland area needed to receive far greater recognition and reward that better reflected the significant profits being made by energy companies.
Concern was also expressed about the very high cost of energy in the Highlands and the extent of fuel poverty across the region.
Elected Members agreed a focussed piece of work should be undertaken to set out what the Council's ask should be for a Highland Infrastructure Fund.
Associated with this, Members also agreed to complete a Community Wealth Building Strategy so that all parts of Highland can share the benefits arising from the green energy revolution and the drive to deliver net zero, as well as gain community value from local supply chains.
The report also set out how the Council could make income from developing renewable energy schemes both on its own, and in partnership with others, and members noted that costed proposals will come forward for approval as part of the budget setting process next year.
The Item 11 report highlighted challenges in relation to future capacity and Grid constraints which was also picked up during the debate.
It was noted that investment in network developments were not only needed to maintain energy resilience and reliability in Highland communities but were also essential to support the ambitions of the region to deliver a lasting legacy.
This was not only in relation to income generation but also skills development, broadening employment opportunities and housing.
However, it was acknowledged that communities did have concerns about the impact of developments and so a balanced approach was needed.
Highland Council Leader, Cllr Raymond Bremner, said: "A Sustainable Highland Environment and Global Centre for Renewable Energy is one of the five key themes in The Council’s Programme 2022-2027.
"This commits the Council to accelerate its response to the climate and ecological emergency and make the most of the financial and environmental opportunities arising from the huge renewable energy potential of the Highlands.
"Scotland is in a strong position to lead an energy transition that secures net-zero, enhances energy security, and lowers energy costs for consumers. Highland provides possibly the best prospects for delivering these outcomes."
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Construction News
15/12/2023
Council Approves Report To Unlock Renewable Energy Prospects
Latest Construction News
26/11/2024
Scottish Water has unveiled its largest-ever procurement initiative, aiming to modernise the nation's water and wastewater infrastructure while safeguarding the environment. The program, named Delivery Vehicle 4, is valued between £5 billion and £9 billion and is set to run from 2027 to 2033, with ...
26/11/2024
The City of Edinburgh Council has granted planning permission, subject to conditions, for the refurbishment of Calton Square, an office building currently occupied by Baillie Gifford until the end of December 2025. Promoted by Ardstone Capital on behalf of Manova Partners, the project aims to ...
26/11/2024
First Minister John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, praised the progress being made on the construction of the new Perth High School during a visit on Friday, 22 November. He was joined by Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, alongside senior Perth and Kinross Councillors, ...
26/11/2024
A state-of-the-art playpark has officially opened at King George V Park in Bearsden, following the completion of a £100,000 refurbishment. Funded by a combination of East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) Capital Funding and the Scottish Government’s Renewing Scotland’s Play Parks initiative, the ...
26/11/2024
Fife Council has launched a public consultation, inviting residents, businesses, and organizations to contribute ideas and propose sites for inclusion in the next Local Development Plan, known as Fife's Place Plan. The council is calling on community councils, landowners, and developers to share ...
26/11/2024
The Chief Executive of East Lothian Council has announced she is to retire in February 2025. Monica Patterson who has been Chief Executive for almost five years, has spent most of her professional career working in local government. Prior to joining East Lothian Council in 2010, she was Head of ...
25/11/2024
West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) and Connect Modular have jointly submitted a planning application to Glasgow City Council for the development of 33 affordable homes in Cowlairs. This project aligns with the wider Cowlairs Park regeneration scheme and the city's ambitious housing ...
25/11/2024
Arc-Tech (Scotland) has successfully completed a £6m Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services package for the Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh. The state-of-the-art resort, which opened its doors earlier this month, features a range of amenities, including a wave pool, luxury lodges, and ...
25/11/2024
Scottish Water has successfully completed the construction of a groundbreaking hydro energy generation scheme at Whiteadder Reservoir in East Lothian. This innovative project, believed to be the first of its kind in Europe, will harness the power of water to offset a significant portion of the ...
25/11/2024
Work is set to commence on a £6.5 million project to upgrade the Double Dykes Gypsy/Traveller site near Perth. The initiative aims to replace outdated chalets with modern, energy-efficient accommodation and implement significant site improvements. Perth & Kinross Council secured £3.9 million from ...