Ministers announce new £60m fund to accelerate innovation in low carbon infrastructure

Electric car - image credit: PA

The Scottish Government has announced a new £60m fund to accelerate innovation in low carbon energy infrastructure, such as electricity battery storage, sustainable heating systems and electric vehicle charging.

The Programme for Government, unveiled by Nicola Sturgeon this week, includes plans to phase out new petrol and diesel vehicles in Scotland by 2032, with the First Minister pledging to expand the charging network and make the A9 Scotland’s first electric-enabled highway.

The Innovation Fund aims to support academia and business in finding solutions to some of the challenges brought by the move to a decarbonised infrastructure.

Announcing the fund, Sturgeon said: “For centuries, Scotland has been home to many great inventions and I want this technological innovation to be renewed for the future. I want us to be world leaders in developing new low carbon energy technologies and embrace social changes that will reduce our emissions.”

The Programme for Government also included plans to introduce low emission zones in four Scottish cities by 2020.

Environment Secretary Rosanna Cunningham said: “Scotland has made good progress in tackling air pollution, but a there are still areas of our towns and cities where levels are too high. We want to develop a sustainable future for younger generations.

“Taken together, these measures along with our plans to build an Active Nation by investing record sums in walking and cycling, represent a step change in our levels of ambition and it’s heartening to see this being described as Scotland’s boldest and greenest Programme for Government.”