Environment Gap
Description
Social Enterprises across the country are already generating electricity from renewable sources, either for use within their community (i.e. supplying directly to private or community customers) or for sale to the National Grid. There is great interest and potential – including a high level of knowledge and skill - in many communities to develop such schemes. The Government should not view the possible contribution of renewable energy generation purely in terms of energy security and reducing carbon emissions. Where renewable energy generation is in community control, there can be other outcomes including:
- generation of an (often significant) independent and sustainable income stream that can be re-invested to meet local economic, social and environmental needs/priorities;
- underpinning the population and economic viability of remote communities;
- the development of skills and knowledge at local level; and
- community confidence and a sense of empowerment.
The recognition across the political spectrum about the value of social enterprise is most welcome and the examples of renewable energy projects across Scotland is testament to the political will in supporting communities deliver them. However the Government needs to create an environment which would allow a greater number of community organisations the opportunity to develop their own renewable projects.
This includes expanding grid capacity to allow the development of renewable resources making additional grant, loan and financial support available to support communities developing renewable energy schemes, especially for off grid schemes and working with business and communities to reduce their energy demand.
>We believe the Government must examine the tax structure to encourage greener methods of waste disposal and support the better delivery of enrgy at community level through the national grid.
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