The Scottish Government has said it will continue to pursue the development of a geothermal project including work on feasibility projects around the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre and Hill of Banchory.
Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse said the government was in continued contact with the developers of both projects after Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin asked what steps were being taken.
It follows on from the conclusion of the feasibility projects to assess the potential of geothermal activity in the north-east.
Ms Martin asked what the Scottish Government is considering doing to support the geothermal energy industry in the region.
In response, Mr Wheelhouse said: “All projects were engaged in follow up meetings with the Scottish Government to agree next steps in respect of the conclusions of their individual feasibility reports in order to continue to progress the projects.
“Where appropriate, financial support was offered on a co-funded basis to the projects. It was a matter for the projects themselves and the project partners (such as land owners and heat off takers, highlighted in the feasibility work) to decide whether or not to pursue development at this stage.
“We have not had confirmation from either party that they are in a position to proceed. We remain in contact with the developers of both projects and will continue to pursue the development of a geothermal project.”
Last year, a single well project feasibility study report was carried out at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
It was estimated a deep geothermal well could cost around £2.3million to build and would save 22,170 tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifetime.
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin said: “The potential for geothermal energy in the region is already known. It is important we identify the potential opportunities for our energy security.
“At a time when many workers are still facing redundancies as a result of the continued global downturn in the oil price it is positive work is continuing to look at potential alternatives for jobs growth.”
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