The Scottish government has started a fund to support research into exploring the country’s geothermal capacity to meet the energy needs of local communities.
The £250,000(US$360,000) Challenge Fund is open to organisations working together to benefit local communities, achieving carbon reductions which are sustainable and commercially viable on a long term basis and the development of future viable delivery models.
“I have taken the advice of the Geothermal Energy Expert Group to build on the findings of the study undertaken in 2012-13 by supporting exploration of the significant potential for geothermal energy in naturally occurring groundwater and the water collecting in our abandoned mines,” said Energy Minister Fergus Ewing. “Now is the time to take the experience of the housing projects in Shettleston and Fife and take the first steps towards the development of a delivery model which reduces carbon emissions, is self-sustaining and is economically viable.”
The maximum grant award available from the fund for organisations is £50,000, and the deadline for applications is 30 April 2015.