SP Energy Networks will provide £5 million in funding to support vulnerable communities currently facing barriers in transitioning to net zero emissions.
The tailored support programme will provide guidance and support to charities and community organisations to improve and decarbonise heating systems, electrify transportation, increase energy efficiency and upskill communities.
This will additionally support Scotland in achieving net zero emissions by 2045.
Working with Energy Saving Trust, the fund will initially deliver upskilling workshops and training before helping selected projects to develop and fund their net zero plans.
Groups in which the fund is available to include community organisations, charities and other not-for-profit organisations that want to be included within the energy transition and promote green and clean practices in Scotland.
“The race to net zero is speeding up and we’re here to help communities take action now,” said Vicky Kelsall, chief executive of SP Energy Networks.
“On the road to achieving net zero in Scotland by 2045, we need to see significant changes by 2030 which means towns and cities across Scotland will need to reduce carbon emissions across heating and transport while investing in energy efficiency and knowledge building.
“The Net Zero Fund will support vulnerable communities to make proactive change to reduce their impact on the environment. It will focus on areas that are often overlooked but have the potential to unlock net zero and deliver tangible social, environmental and economic benefits.”
The fund will initially deliver general knowledge-sharing sessions to help communities develop their net zero ideas and plans.
Once this has concluded, the fund will focus on helping organisations develop their net zero aspirations and further develop their plans into tangible projects.
“We’re delighted to be the delivery partners for SP Energy Networks’ innovative Net Zero Fund,” Laura McGadie, group head of energy at Energy Saving Trust said.
“This support will provide communities in Central and Southern Scotland with the tools and knowledge they need to realise their net zero ambitions. It will therefore also play an integral role in ensuring Scotland achieves its national target of net zero carbon emissions by 2045.”
ScottishPower has also launched its biggest ever recruitment drive, as it looks to hire at least 1,000 new recruits in the next 12 months. The move follows the company securing a record number of green energy infrastructure projects in the first half of 2022.
This will include roles across all areas of its business and at all stages, it stated, from trainees to time served trades.
Alongside this, ScottishPower’s chief executive Keith Anderson has called for “unprecedented action” amid the ongoing energy crisis whilst laying out proposals to help reduce household bills over the coming winter months.
In an open letter, Anderson stated he believes the government could integrate support measures to help the most vulnerable in the winter whilst also setting up a deficit fund to cover the difference between what people pay and how much it costs to supply their homes with gas and electricity.