'Scotland Can Lead the Way in Carbon Capture' says Stevenson

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson this week used the Scottish Government’s debate on oil and gas in Parliament to highlight Scotland’s potential to remain at the cutting edge of future hydrocarbon generation.

With a long tradition of expertise in energy technology, Scotland is already providing for the future with the creation of the national Energy Skills Academy, which encompasses colleges in the Banffshire & Buchan Coast constituency.

The graduates of this industry-leading skills academy will be at the heart of the development of future technology such as carbon capture and storage – a pioneering example of which is based at Peterhead Power Station.

Speaking during the debate, Mr Stevenson said

“We must map our transition not just in Scotland but across Europe and the world. A huge economic and environmental opportunity comes from the development of carbon capture and storage not simply for us, but as an exportable technology and a technology that we can use our engineers to support.

“For example, in Poland, 90 per cent to 95 per cent of the electricity comes from coal or lignite, which is not just CO2 polluting but is hugely sulphurous. We could play a key role in helping countries such as Poland to address their issues.  That is not simply a matter of economic imperative; it also has an environmental benefit.”

Commenting afterwards, Mr Stevenson highlighted the potential of independence for Scotland in maximising the economic benefit of fossil fuel resources, saying:

“After independence, not only would industry and the Scottish Government be just as motivated to continue development and support a long-term future for the energy industry, but they would have the necessary levers of power to ensure competition.

“This, combined with pioneering technologies such as carbon capture, as well as a booming renewables industry, spells huge economic benefits for communities in the North-east, Scotland and beyond.”