The initial GBP7.5 million fund was recently increased to GBP10.5 million in a bid to drive forward Scotland’s attempts to cut carbon emissions. Nicol Stephen, Scotland’s deputy first minister, commented that the Scottish Biomass Support Scheme will sustain up to 50MW of green energy production per annum.
Mr Stephen said: I am determined that Scotland becomes the renewable energy powerhouse of Europe. We have a real opportunity to be leaders in the green energy industry and these biomass projects represent a significant step forward for our renewable ambitions.
The Executive revealed that some of the projects to be funded include the third woodchip heating scheme to be built in Aberdeen in four years; a 100% carbon free distillery in Port Charlotte, and the first industrial biomass process stream plant in Scotland.
Commenting on the heating project in Aberdeen, Mr Stephen said: One of the projects, the Seaton Combined Heat and Power District Heating Scheme in Aberdeen, will deliver heat to around 1,000 homes while saving over 3,800 tons of CO2 per year and reducing fuel bills by over GBP60.
Sarah Boyack, Scotland’s deputy environment minister, added that biomass is an important resource in Scotland’s contribution to climate change and that Forestry Commission Scotland is working closely with the biomass industry to build on the growing woodfuel market.
