 The executive wants more companies to get involved in renewable energy |
A �6m fund to boost renewable energy in the east of Scotland has been unveiled by the Scottish Executive. It came as Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said more Scots companies should be branching into the sector.
The Sigma Sustainable Energies Fund, backed by the public and private sector, will see successful companies receive as much as �500,000.
It will cover a range of developments, including energy generation, storage and efficiency projects.
Speaking at Fife Energy Park, in Methil, Mr Stephen said: "We have world-class universities and research facilities, skills and technology from our offshore energy industry and many innovative and enterprising developers and companies.
"I now want to see more Scottish companies exploiting the opportunities that exist."
However, the Scottish Green Party reacted with "dismay and despair" at the announcement and claimed that a key industry continued to receive only "crumbs" of support from the government.
North East MSP Shiona Baird said: "Any cash for this sector is welcome, but this is a pitiful amount for a sector that could, if given the right support, secure Scotland a prime position in the global economy.
"There are potentially thousands of jobs to be created, and we could lead in the production of sustainable and safe energy - but that won't happen if the executive does not get it together and make more meaningful moves to ensure the industry flourishes."
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
