Moray Council awarded almost £900,000 to work towards a ‘zero carbon economy’

Five projects in Moray have been given a funding boost to help the region achieve its net zero vision.

Moray Council received £881,000 from the Scottish Government as part of their 10-year programme to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

Five interlinked Moray projects will be covered by the funds – Buckie Harbour Feasibility Study, Blackhillock Masterplan, Hydrogen Feasibility Study, Carbon Offset Feasibility Study and Vacant Land Development Feasibility Study.

Last month, Nicola Sturgeon announced £50 million will be spent on 22 renewable energy projects.

One of the listed projects involved Moray Council promoting hydrogen energy and developing derelict land.

‘Deliver net zero and biodiversity’

Jim Grant, head of economic growth and development, said: “We’re delighted to receive funding for these feasibility studies, which will bring together some of the many ways we are working towards a Just Transition in Moray.

“The funding for this stage of the work is for 2022-23 and the intention is that this feasibility work will result in costed plans for how these projects will be delivered.”

Councillor Draeyk van der Horn, Moray Council’s climate change champion added: “I was supportive of the news.

“As Moray Council’s climate champion, I congratulate the many people whose hard work has resulted in successful Just Transition applications.

“This means we can progress with projects that will help us deliver our net zero commitments and support biodiversity in Moray. A good day for Moray.”