The Scottish
Government - Energy is not just
vital to keeping Scotland's businesses, hospitals and schools
running - energy also plays a key role in Scotland's economy.
Scottish Enterprise - With the global
demand for energy set to increase dramatically, alternative energy
markets present the Scottish energy industry with fantastic
opportunities for growth and change. SE is committed to
significantly grow Scotland’s share of global energy markets
and develop emerging renewable energy industries, including
marine, offshore wind, fuel cells and hydrogen.
Scottish Development
International - supports international companies
looking to invest in Scotland.
Scottish
Renewables - Scottish Renewables has
presented a united voice for the renewable energy industry in
Scotland since 1996. Scottish Renewables is a forum of key players
with interests including biomass, hydro, micro, marine and wind
technologies. Members share a common interest in the development of
renewables in Scotland.
RenewableUK
- formerly named BWEA (British Wind Energy
Association) RenewableUK is the trade and professional body
for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978,
and with 593 corporate members, RenewableUK is the leading
renewable energy trade association in the UK.
Community
Energy Scotland Community Energy Scotland provide
free advice, grant funding and finance for renewable energy
projects developed by community groups to benefit their community.
This extends to non-profit distributing organisations such as
social enterprises and housing associations. We are able to fund
community projects through the Scottish Government's Community and
Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) which we deliver to
communities across Scotland.
Current Sector Incentives
New rates relief scheme for renewables
companies - A new targeted relief for renewable
energy producers - offering discounts of up to 100% will support
their central role in the climate change agenda and promote
expansion of the sector.
Micro-generation and offshore energy generation companies are
already exempted from payment of business rates.
There are around 170 onshore sites across Scotland involved in
the production of renewable energy that may currently be eligible
to apply for relief under the scheme. The number benefiting should
increase as new sites open. The Scottish Government will work with
the industry to raise awareness and encourage uptake.
A number of other funding mechanisms are in
place or are to be introduced that incentives Scottish renewable
energy companies:
The Renewables Obligation (Scotland), which was
introduced in 2002, requires utilities companies to source a
minimum percentage of the electricity they supply from renewable
sources (equivalent to 11.1% in 2010/2011). The RO does not specify
which technologies should be bought from, meaning it favours the
less expensive technologies (at present, onshore wind and
biomass)
Feed-in Tariffs (FITs), which came into effect in April 2010,
enable small-scale generators (up to 5 megawatts) to claim tariff
payments from participating suppliers in return for the generation
and exportation of electricity from renewable sources. FITs
guarantee comparatively high-prices for renewable energy, providing
more certainty to generators.
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which will
come into effect in 2011, will guarantee a minimum payment to
anyone generating heat via biomass boilers, air- or ground-source
heat pumps or solar thermal.
There are a number grant funds, loan funds and
venture funds aimed specifically at the renewable energy
sector:
The Carbon Trust provides grants of up to £500,000 (subject to
minimum 40% match funding) via its Applied Research Scheme. Grants
are available for businesses, universities and public or voluntary
organisations that have developed low carbon technologies
benefiting the UK that will benefit the UK
-The
Scottish Government Community and Renewable Energy
Scheme (CARES) provides technical grants of up to
£10,000 and capital grants of up to £150,000 for community projects
culminating in the installation of a renewable energy generation
plant.
-The Sigma Sustainable Energy Fund II is a £50 million venture
capital fund operated by the Sigma Capital Group plc. The fund
provides capital of £500,000 and over for European companies
developing clean energy technologies
Useful links…
Renewable
Energy in Scotland
Renewable Energy
Association
