Scotland to fund development of low-carbon technologies

The Government of Scotland is set to provide a £60m fund to accelerate innovation of new technologies such as electric vehicle charging and sustainable heating systems. 

By 2032, the government intends to end the need for new petrol or diesel vehicles in the country.

As part of this initiative, Scotland is planning to take a wide range of actions, which include expanding the charging network and making the A9 Scotland’s first electric-enabled highway.

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We have set out a bold new ambition on ultra-low-emission vehicles, including electric cars and vans, with a target to phase out the need for petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032, underpinned by a range of actions to expand the charging network, support innovative approaches and encourage the public sector to lead the way.”

The government’s new innovation fund will also be available to the academic institutions and businesses in the country, encouraging them to develop new solutions that could address the challenges faced with charging electric vehicles in heavily populated towns and cities. 

The fund will also be used to advance low-carbon and digital projects by 2020. 

Scotland Environment Secretary Rosanna Cunningham said: "As well as pushing ahead with the decarbonisation of road transport, we have also announced plans to introduce low-emission zones into Scotland’s four biggest cities between 2018 and 2020, improving air quality and making our city centres a more desirable place to live, work and visit."