One week after boosting the Scottish Biomass Support Scheme by £3 million to a total of £10.5 million, the Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen today revealed that the funding pot is to be shared across 74 schemes.

Attending the SCARF (Save Cash and Reduce Fuel) Conference in Aberdeen, Mr Stephen said:

"Today I am allocating £10.5 million investment in green energy to drive forward 74 innovative renewables projects around the country.

"I am determined that Scotland becomes the renewable energy powerhouse of Europe. We have a real opportunity to be leaders in the green energy industry and these biomass projects represent a significant step forward for our renewable ambitions.

"Through our Biomass Support Scheme we will see carbon savings of 37,000 tonnes per annum, supporting up to 50 MW of green energy production.

"One of the projects, the Seaton Combined Heat and Power District Heating Scheme in Aberdeen, will deliver heat to around 1,000 homes while saving over 3,800 tonnes of CO2 per year and reducing fuel bills by over £60.

"Such was the demand for a share of our Biomass Support Scheme that I recently allocated additional funding of £3 million to allow many more renewable energy projects to benefit.

"It is vital that we continue to support renewable technologies like biomass to ensure a clean, green environment and capitalise on this emerging industry for a vibrant Scottish economy."

Deputy Environment Minister Sarah Boyack said:

"Biomass is an important renewable resource and in Scotland we need to continue to boost its potential as a contribution to our climate change programme.

"Forestry Commission Scotland is working hard with the biomass industry and rural businesses to strengthen supply chains and to build on the growing woodfuel market. The funding announced today will help stimulate more private businesses to cater for the current demand of around 150,000 tonnes of wood for woodfuel."

For more details on the projects being supported by the scheme, please click here