Work agreed to provide energy security resilience in Highland
Highland Council has agreed a report on unlocking renewable energy prospects in the region.
Opportunities highlighted in the report included a number of ways in which community benefits could be developed to deliver better outcomes for the Highlands.
During the debate at full Council yesterday (14 December 2023) it was agreed that the Highland area needed to receive far greater recognition and reward that better reflected the significant profits being made by energy companies.
Concern was also expressed about the very high cost of energy in the Highlands and the extent of fuel poverty across the region.
Elected Members agreed a focussed piece of work should be undertaken to set out what the Council’s ask should be for a Highland Infrastructure Fund.
Associated with this, Members also agreed to complete a Community Wealth Building Strategy so that all parts of Highland can share the benefits arising from the green energy revolution and the drive to deliver net zero, as well as gain community value from local supply chains.
The report also set out how the Council could make income from developing renewable energy schemes both on its own, and in partnership with others, and members noted that costed proposals will come forward for approval as part of the budget setting process next year.
The Item 11 report highlighted challenges in relation to future capacity and Grid constraints which was also picked up during the debate.
It was noted that investment in network developments were not only needed to maintain energy resilience and reliability in Highland communities but were also essential to support the ambitions of the region to deliver a lasting legacy.
This was not only in relation to income generation but also skills development, broadening employment opportunities and housing.
However, it was acknowledged that communities did have concerns about the impact of developments and so a balanced approach was needed.
Highland Council Leader, Cllr Raymond Bremner, said: “A Sustainable Highland Environment and Global Centre for Renewable Energy is one of the five key themes in The Council’s Programme 2022-2027.
“This commits the Council to accelerate its response to the climate and ecological emergency and make the most of the financial and environmental opportunities arising from the huge renewable energy potential of the Highlands.
“Scotland is in a strong position to lead an energy transition that secures net-zero, enhances energy security, and lowers energy costs for consumers. Highland provides possibly the best prospects for delivering these outcomes.”
He added: “However, there are significant constraints in terms of grid capacity and energy policy. In order to capitalise on these opportunities, the Highland Council needs to work with the Scottish and UK Governments, network operators and energy suppliers, commercial partners and communities to lobby for change; maximise funding availability; and develop green energy schemes that not only deliver financial returns to the Council over the short, medium and long term, but also ensure that the Highlands benefits as a whole from the green energy revolution.”
As set out in a report to Council in June 2023, Renewable Investment in Solar and Battery Storage, The Highland Council is developing a dynamic and comprehensive plan aimed at transforming its regional infrastructure while offering substantial business opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
A detailed portfolio plan for renewables investment will be presented to Members as part of the Council’s budget in February 2024.