18.11.2008
The Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee is today beginning a series of fact-finding visits to gather evidence for an inquiry into the future of energy consumption and production in Scotland.
The committee will tour Longannet Power Station near Alloa this morning before visiting a distillery at Cameron Bridge and meeting representatives from Fife Council to discuss local energy projects.
Convener of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, Iain Smith MSP, said: “The future of energy consumption and production is of great importance on a national and international scale. The inquiry is looking at the kind of energy we want in Scotland in the future in terms of production, distribution and more efficient use.
"We are also looking at the Scottish Government’s objectives of increasing renewable energy production and reducing emissions.”
The Longannet tour is the first in a series to gather evidence for the energy inquiry. Other fact-finding visits include:
- Scottish Power’s control room in Kirkintilloch;
- Torness nuclear power station and a meeting with British Energy staff;
- Braes of Doune windfarm and a meeting with Scottish and Southern Energy.
Further information
The remit for the inquiry is to determine the type of energy future for Scotland, within the devolved context and the Parliament’s competences, in terms of the production, distribution and more efficient use of energy. It will look at how and when it can be delivered to meet the Scottish Government’s objectives of increasing renewable energy generation and reducing emissions.
The inquiry will also consider how energy supplies can be secured at an affordable price and how economic benefits from the energy industries can be maximised.