Local energy initiative aims to boost shift to low-carbon economy

An initiative is being launched to bring together businesses, investors and project-developers to fast-track the development of a low-carbon economy in Scotland.

Funding of more than £330,000 is being provided to support a new network to bring together businesses and organisations to integrate electricity, heat and transport systems. Picture: contributed.

The Energy Systems Catapult, which works to accelerate the transformation of the UK’s energy system, has been appointed by Scottish Enterprise to lead the Local Energy Systems Scottish Industry Network (LESSIN) which is being backed by £334,000 of funding.

It aims to build on the success of innovative schemes in Scotland such as the Levenmouth Community Energy Project in Fife where power from a wind turbine is used to produce green hydrogen used to fuel vehicles.

Together with the Energy Technology Partnership (ETP), which is made up of 13 Scottish universities, the network will look to create opportunities for businesses in the supply chain to connect with others to support the integration of other local electricity, heat and transport systems.

Technology will also play a significant role in areas such as helping manage demand, supply, energy storage or conversion.

Other local energy projects already under way in Scotland include one on Orkney where energy demand is being matched with local generation to power electric heating systems in homes, businesses and council buildings, as well as electric vehicle charging points and hydrogen electrolysers.

Scottish Enterprise’s head of low carbon transition Andy McDonald said the new initiative would bring together expertise that exists across Scotland.

“Scotland has rich renewable energy resources and already boasts several world-leading demonstration projects in this area, and by building on this, we will not only lead the way to meeting net zero targets, but also create a low-carbon economy and aid green recovery.” he said.

“The project will also grow and connect Scottish businesses into future energy projects with the added potential for international opportunities, so we can take Scotland’s clean energy revolution across the globe too.”

Energy Systems Catapult chief executive Philip New said: “Local energy systems have the potential to transform our journey to net zero, particularly within industrial clusters that can utilise the power of proximity to deliver sustainable economic and societal benefits.

Innovation

“We are delighted to be working with the Scottish energy community to support and encourage innovation in local energy systems. Our collaboration with the ETP will build on an already strong relationship and we look forward to working together to deliver this important programme.”

The three-year project is funded under Scottish Enterprise’s Sprite programme, which is aimed at supporting innovative companies, and part-funded by the 2014–2020 European Structural and Investment Fund managed by the Scottish Government.

The Energy Systems Catapult was set up by Innovate UK as an independent, not-for-profit centre of excellence that bridges the gap between industry, government, academia and research.

Other projects it is involved in include the Living Lab, a facility of 100 connected homes, where innovative businesses can rapidly design, market-test and launch new energy products and services. Stirlingshire-based Biskit Controls, which has developed a system to improve the performance of central heating systems, is among the companies to test its products in the lab.

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