Scotland's renewable energy sector to gain from £95m funding boost

Scotland's power network is to benefit from a £95 million upgrade, boosting its renewable energy capability, it has been announced.

Ofgem, the energy regulator, said the extra funding will allow electricity networks to handle connections from more renewable generators.

It is the latest stage of a investment programme designed to help the UK meet carbon targets and tackle climate change.

More than 80 million will be spent increasing the amount of electricity that can flow between the high voltage networks of England and Scotland, helping the export of renewable electricity from Scotland.

Other cash being spent includes 11.5 million which will be used to upgrade networks to connect generation in the north of Scotland.

Stuart Cook from Ofgem said: "Upgrading Scotland's electricity networks so they can handle connections from more renewable generators is crucial to helping meet Britain's climate change targets.

"Our decision means that we have approved more than 400 million extra investment in the high voltage grids across Britain in less than a year.

"We are now assessing the business case for other network upgrades needed so Britain can reach its renewable energy potential."