EDINBURGH, Scotland, March 7 (UPI) -- Deploying an army of workers employed in the green energy sector provides a myriad of economic benefits to Scotland, the government said Monday.
The Scottish government announced plans to create so-called Green Academies to be set up by Scottish Gas. The academies will train a "green army" to install environmentally friendly technology at homes in the country.
Scottish Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said the project would create hundreds of jobs, encourage better energy use and help boost the overall economy.
"This offers opportunities for a whole new generation of young people -- a Green Army for Scotland helping to support a sustainable, modern, low-carbon economy for Scotland," he said in a statement.
The project, he added, would save Scottish consumers more than $15 million off their annual energy bills.
The skill academy will focus on green energy technology under a government plan to help low-income homes meet their energy needs.
"Green academies will provide people with the right skills to work in the rapidly expanding eco-sector," added Neil.
