Businesses, local authorities and public bodies across Scotland are being urged to invest in green technology in an effort to achieve ‘net zero’ greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

SP Energy Networks, which operates the Scottish Power grid in central Scotland, has issued the call as it prepares to unveil “major plans” to help towns, cities and rural communities across the country cut down on emissions.

The plans will include initiatives to support the electrification of transport networks across the country, as well as boosts for low-carbon heat projects and training for young people pursuing careers in the renewable energy sector.

Although much of the technology required to deliver on ‘net zero’ targets already exists, the company said in a statement that “significant investment” is still required to speed-up the roll-out of innovative technologies across Scotland. Both the public and private sectors have a key role to play in this, the firm insisted.

This evening, the company has arranged for some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, Melrose Abbey and Glasgow’s Riverside Museum, to be lit up green in support of the ‘net zero’ ambitions.

Frank Mitchell, chief executive of SP Energy Networks, insisted that achieving Net Zero offers Scotland “a huge economic opportunity”.

“The road to 2045 will mean many everyday activities will decarbonise and switch to all-electric technologies and it is essential for businesses and communities to start planning now for the transition to a cleaner and greener future,” he said.

“Through the Green Economy Fund, SP Energy Networks is investing £20 million in Scottish projects that support low-carbon heating, electrification of transport and the education of a renewables workforce for a greener future. We’re encouraging businesses, local authorities and public bodies in Scotland to follow suit and ramp up their investment in the green economy,” Mitchell added.

21 innovative green projects have been awarded funding as part of the Green Economy Fund. The largest recipient of the scheme, Stagecoach’s Western Buses Limited, has been awarded a £2 million share to help accelerate the roll-out of a zero-emissions single-decker bus fleet; due to run between Kilmarnock and Priestland in Ayrshire

One particular project, PeddleSMART, is an e-bike research and development facility in Motherwell which is testing new technologies including e-bin bikes, heated food delivery bikes and e-tandems in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Adam Reid, CEO at PeddleSMART, welcomed the funding, noting that it could help the firm take its vehicle design “to the next level.”

“We’re fundamentally changing the way people, freight and local service teams travel across our towns and cities, reducing air pollution and congestion, and creating new jobs in the local community,” he explained.

“The investment we’ve received from SP Energy Networks is helping us take our vehicle design to the next level and address transport challenges across multiple transportation markets – it’s a huge boost to Scotland’s green economy.”

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