The Scottish Government's independent advisory body on sustainable development
Report recommends renewable heat for Scotland
Media Comment: Tuesday 5th February 2008
Today the Forum for Renewable Energy Development Scotland (FREDS) published its recommendations to government on how to develop the renewable heat in Scotland.
The FREDS Renewable Heat Group was established by the Scottish Government in
2006 to help inform the content of a Renewable Heat Strategy for Scotland.
Membership was drawn from a wide range of public and private sector organisations
with a range of experience in renewable heat, including SDC Scotland Director, Maf Smith.
FREDS' vision is for a smarter, greener, warmer Scotland, building a commercially viable, diverse renewable heat industry to serve Scotland’s heat needs. This vision is driven by both the need to tackle climate change and the potential for renewable heat to help deliver a sustainable economy.
Maf Smith, Director of the Sustainable Development Commission Scotland, said:
"The FREDS renewable heat work has shown that Scotland has a great resource which we could be using to bring affordable energy to communities across Scotland.
"Renewable heat provides cost effective low carbon heat, commonplace in Scandinavian countries, so with action needed on climate change we must apply their experience to Scotland.
"What’s more, because much of rural Scotland is not on the main gas network, a golden opportunity exists to use renewable heat sources to supply heat for homes and businesses helping our rural economy.
"The Scottish Government now needs to show leadership, using planning, building regulations, financial support and public procurement to make this happen."
Links
- Read the Scottish Government's press release on Renewable Heat Potential
- Read the full report from the FREDS Renewable Heat Group
