Energy firm investment could help air quality

Impressive £3 billion plans by a major energy provider could help Scotland achieve its air quality targets set for 2020.

Scottish Power has submitted the proposals to UK energy industry regulator Ofgem, as it attempts to increase the sustainability of its sources.

The ten-year project will see 5GW of renewable energy become available, while significant upgrades to its electricity distribution network will also be made.

First minister Alex Salmond has "warmly welcomed" the plans, which could play a huge part in helping Scotland achieve its goal of producing 100 per cent of its own electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

"These plans will create hundreds of new jobs and underline the company's commitment to Scotland, as we work together to pursue a low carbon future for these islands and Europe," he remarked.

The move could also benefit the country in light of new EU environmental legislation, which will force companies to pay additional charges for exceeding their carbon emissions allocation.

Posted by Joseph Hutton