A Sustainable Energy Strategy for Orkney has been launched alongside the official opening of a world-first hydrogen energy project on the islands.
The strategy has been developed in partnership by, among others, Orkney Islands Council and the Orkney Renewable Energy Forum on behalf of the wider community.
The Orkney Energy Strategy – a copy of which was presented to Scottish Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse at the the opening ceremony for the new Surf ‘n’ Turf project – sets out five key goals;
- The achievement of ambitious carbon reduction targets
- The reduction and eradication of fuel poverty
- Positioning Orkney as the globally recognised innovation region to develop solutions for the world’s energy systems challenges
- Ensuring a secure energy supply during transition to a low carbon future, and
- Maximising economic opportunity and investment in Orkney.
Councillor James Stockan, Leader of Orkney Islands Council, said: “An innovative and inclusive approach to sustainable energy development lies at the heart of the strategy.
“This is exemplified by Surf ‘n’ Turf, a world leading project that reflects the ambition of our community in taking forward projects with the potential to greatly benefit our islands – and support wider national and international efforts to bring about carbon reduction.”
Gareth Davies, Chairman, Orkney Renewable Energy Forum, said: “Orkney has benefited hugely from the committed drive that has been made to a sustainable energy future over the last 20 years. What has been achieved has been done collectively with many people and organisations working together for a common set of aims.
“This latest sustainable energy strategy for Orkney sets out new horizons which we can all now work for on our way to: decarbonising our whole energy system; eradicating energy poverty; building a vibrant energy sector at the heart of our economy and not least helping to protect the earth from excessive global warming.”
The next step will be to develop an action plan to help Orkney reach the goals set out in the Sustainable Energy Strategy.
29 Sept 2017
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