Last week I wrote of my dismay at the National Grid paying a record £275.3million in subsidies to Scots wind energy generators last year to purposefully reduce the amount of energy they produced when supply outstripped demand.
Despite that eye-watering figure, there have been several new stories in the press recently which suggests more renewable energy farms, generating more energy for the National Grid, will soon be built.
Fife Council has unanimously approved plans for a solar farm and battery storage development which could power thousands of homes.
Developers say it will generate energy for the UK’s grid and contribute to Scotland’s net-zero climate ambitions. There are also plans to implement a grazing license so that the land can still be used for sheep grazing or poultry.
I’m all for Scotland reaching net-zero and finding ways to make sure land is working hard for its owners, so a grazing license is a great idea, but I do wonder if demand has been taken into consideration or will we only see National Grid’s subsidies rise.
I also spotted that EDF Renewables UK celebrated reaching 15 gigawatts of onshore wind capacity which is enough to power 9.9 million homes all year round – about three times the number of homes in Scotland. The majority of the firm’s onshore wind farm fleet is in Scotland, accounting for 63 per cent of its onshore wind capacity. Indeed, a new wind farm in North Lanarkshire enabled the firm to reach the milestone.
This one wind farm has had a great impact on the local economy. EDF Renewables UK invested millions in contracts with Scottish companies during construction and more than £4.5million will be re-invested back into the local community over the wind farm’s lifespan.
It is urging the UK Government to set a UK-wide target of 30 gigawatts of onshore wind by 2030, which EDF Renewables UK’s research suggests would boost the economy by £45billion and create 27,000 jobs.
The Scottish Government also recently said Scotland can lead the net zero revolution when it announced a £24.5 million grant to secure Japanese company Sumitomo Electric Industries’ investment in a new cable factory for the offshore wind sector at Nigg. It will create around 330 jobs and bring £350million inward investment to Scotland.
Cabinet secretary for wellbeing economy, net zero and energy, Màiri McAllan MSP, highlighted how net zero went hand-in-hand with economic growth.
And Scotland isn’t just helping to lead the way in renewable energy at home, but also Africa.
At the end of February representatives from Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia visited the Scottish end of the SG Global Renewables Centre, based at Strathclyde University, to cement a new four-nation partnership on renewable energy.
The centre was funded by the Scottish Government with the aim of linking up renewable energy experience in Scotland and the three international development partner countries and is expected to be expanded to include other countries in the future.
Much of the three African countries are not even connected to an electricity grid and the Scottish Government has funded projects to help implement renewable technologies in an area of the world which has been greatly affected by climate change.
So despite eye-watering subsidies being paid, there is definitely a compelling argument around the benefits renewable energy has for our economy, and it makes me feel proud to see Scotland take the lead on a UK and international level – especially investing funds in countries where access to electricity isn’t guaranteed, to help improve accessibility.
I just can’t help shake the feeling though that there’s a disconnect somewhere along the line.
How can we forge ahead with producing more and more renewable energy, whilst we just don’t have the infrastructure in place to ensure that it can be stored properly, running up millions of pounds of costs?
As the Renewable Energy Foundation (REF) put it so succinctly, it is a ‘national scandal’ and one that will only worsen unless those in charge can ensure a step change, and quickly.
Bo’ness Hippodrome celebrates 112 years on the silver screen
It was built as Scotland’s gateway to the silver screen, and now the iconic Bo’ness Hippodrome has celebrated a milestone of its own.
The first purpose-built cinema in the country has just celebrated its 112th birthday and is still just as popular now as it was when it was first opened in 1912.
After closing in the mid 1970’s, the 1,000-capacity venue was restored and reopened in 2009 thanks to various grants and a campaign by the Bo’ness Townscape Heritage Initiative.
It’s just as well, as the venue rakes in yearly international trade by the bucketload, thanks to its annual Silent Film Festival which takes place later this month.
According to the venue’s supervisor, the town is set to welcome guests from across Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand for the five-day long programme of events.
And for small, seaport towns like Bo’ness, regular international trade can be transformative. We can largely thank the vibrant arts and culture community not just here in Scotland, but around the world, for that.
The arts are set to play a vital role in regenerating our towns and cities. Just look along the road to Falkirk, where the council is resting its hopes of regeneration by building a new town hall on the high street.
With that said, I do hope cultural centres such as the Bo’ness Hippodrome continue to receive the funding they need to stay afloat. They’re a huge asset to their community which helps secure trade for years to come.
It Made Me Laugh
Sole Club’s speakeasy surprise is no fish tale
Imagine being whisked away for a posh meal, only to find yourself directed to the back of a chippie in Glasgow’s west end and instructed to “open that fridge door and head right through”.
Fortunately, this isn’t the start of a nightmarish dining experience, but rather the brainchild of renowned chef Nico Simeone.
His latest venture, Sole Club – a combination chip shop and speakeasy fish restaurant in the former Six by Nico venue in Finnieston – has caught the attention of foodies nationwide.
And while the menu retains some classic chippy offerings, the fine-dining food looks utterly delectable.
It really does take the phrase “never judge a book by its cover” to a whole new level.
It Made Me Weep
Virgin Hotel Glasgow’s future hangs in the balance
In the latest development regarding the Virgin Hotel Glasgow saga, the 17-story property located on the banks of the River Clyde has been brought to the market by administrators in the hope of finding a buyer.
Around 130 staff lost their jobs after the hotel closed just days before Christmas last year, having only been opened five months prior.
On the surface, the building looks to be a hot commodity.
However, any potential new buyer will have to take on the responsibility of completing unfinished rooms and public areas, all while trying to rebuild the hotel’s damaged reputation in the area.
I do hope whoever steps forward is ready to take on a real challenge.
