EDINBURGH, Scotland, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- More than $6 million in loans from the Scottish government will help local communities develop renewable energy projects, officials said.
The Scottish government, through its Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, announced it was awarding 42 renewable energy projects a combined $6.1 million in loans. The community-based projects will produce 56 megawatts of wind and hydroelectric power.
Edinburgh has a goal of generating 500 MW of renewable energy from community- and locally owned projects by 2020. More than half of the loan recipients are community-based projects, 12 were presented by area farmers and one was brought forward by a rural business.
Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said, with his country leading the way in the region with clean energy, the loans were another important step toward 2020 targets.
"Farmers understand the benefits to be gained from renewables but have told me they are put off pursuing schemes by the expense of reaching the pre-planning stage," said Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead. "These loans help farmers and land managers overcome that hurdle and take up the opportunities offered by renewables."
