Scotland budgets more CO2 reduction money in 2014/15

Jun 28, 2013 - Scotland unveiled Thursday a budget boost in 2014/15 for initiatives aimed at cutting the nation’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, among which are its ambitious renewable energy use targets.

The additional funding in the next budget was presented by Minister for Environment and Climate Change Paul Wheelhouse, who also said that the government had earmarked GBP 2 million (USD 3m/EUR 2.3m) for greener street lighting in a drive to achieve additional carbon reductions.

According to government calculations, between 2010 and 2011 direct Scottish emissions have dropped by 9.9%, marking the biggest single year-on-year decrease since 1998. Renewables play a key role in Scotland’s efforts to cut its carbon footprint, as emissions from the energy sector have a big share in the total. By 2020 the country aims to cover no less than 30% of its total energy demand with renewables; source 11% of heat and 10% of transport fuels from renewables; and to produce and export as much renewable energy as it consumes. Also, Scotland targets local and community ownership of over 500 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2020.

Apart from renewables, Scotland is also promoting energy efficiency for homes and businesses, increasing recycling and is working to demonstrate carbon capture at commercial-scale, among other measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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