Latest news with #ScottishPower
Scotsman
16 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Acorn carbon capture: Crunch talks as Scotland wind farm chiefs poised to wrestle over seabed
Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... SNP ministers have been told to 'get a grip' of the energy transition after it emerged crunch talks are being held between wind farm bosses and those developing Scotland's Acorn carbon capture project because the two proposals want to use the same area of seabed. The Scotsman can reveal that bosses behind Scotland's proposed carbon capture project in St Fergus are holding discussions with wind farm chiefs as two key energy developments are poised to overlap in the North Sea. The area is located around 47 miles off the Aberdeenshire coast, with both projects having been granted permission to use the same strip of seabed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Shell and Scottish Power are brining forward the MarramWind proposals Concerns have been raised the proposed Acorn carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, which has been pushed forward after the UK government handed it £200 million of funding in Rachel Reeves's Spending Review earlier this month, will partially overlap in the North Sea with the MarramWind floating wind development. Two licences for same plot of the seabed Crown Estate Scotland issued licences to Pate Blue Dot for the Acorn storage site, as well to Shell and Scottish Power for the MarramWind project that will produce around 3GW of renewable energy. The Acorn storage site, called its 'foundation store', will make use of the seabed, where the harmful carbon will be injected deep into the rocks. The MarramWind project proposes up to 225 floating turbines that will also be moored to the seabed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But those behind the Acorn CCS project have insisted any overlap will not derail the long-delayed proposals that will be based onshore at the St Fergus gas terminal near Peterhead - despite a significant part of one of the project's two storage sites falling in the same plot of the seabed leased to the MarramWind project. The MarramWind proposals and the Acorn CCS storage site overlap on the seabed | Crown Estate Scotland The Acorn CCS project is expected to have capacity to store up to 10Mt of CO₂ per year. If all goes to plan, both the Acorn and the MarramWind projects are expected to be up and running in the early 2030s. SNP ministers under fire A scoping report produced as part of the MarramWind proposals, published in January 2023, highlighted 'seabed obstructions', including 'carbon capture storage projects'. Scottish Labour North East MSP Mercedes Villalba said: 'The lack of oversight from the Government here is staggering. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Labour MSP Mercedes Villalba "It is frankly absurd that under the SNP's watch, two incompatible projects can be granted seabed rights on the very same plot. This is yet another case of the SNP selling off Scotland without a care for the consequences.' She added: "Our energy transition will continue to be disorderly, with workers paying the price, until the Government gets a grip on offshore development. READ MORE: Rosebank and other North Sea oil and gas fields could be given green light under new guidelines "That starts with technical due diligence of projects such as these and transparent accounting of what exactly public funding grants are being spent on." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish Conservative shadow energy secretary Douglas Lumsden said the revelation was 'just the latest example of SNP incompetence'. Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden | supplied The North East MSP added: 'How they have managed to sell the same bit of seabed to two different parties is anyone's guess – but they need to resolve this mess fast, while also ensuring the taxpayers' best interests are served. Acorn deem overlap 'manageable' A spokesperson for the Acorn project said: 'We are aware of recent questions regarding a potential overlap between the Acorn CO₂ storage site and the proposed MarramWind offshore wind farm. 'This is a known and manageable spatial interaction. Any area of overlap is limited and does not affect Acorn's ability to develop, operate, or monitor the CO₂ store. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Acorn carbon capture project will be built next to the St Fergus gas terminal (Photo: Paul Campbell/PA Wire) | Paul Campbell/PA Wire 'Interactions of this kind are not uncommon, and the wind and carbon storage sectors are actively collaborating across the UK to manage them. The Crown Estate's co-locate forum is one example of how such overlaps are being addressed constructively. While this case is in Scottish waters, the same principles of early engagement and joint resolution apply. 'We are also working closely with Crown Estate Scotland, with whom we hold the necessary agreements, to ensure all required arrangements are in place to support Acorn's continued development. 'We remain fully committed to progressing Acorn at pace towards a final investment decision, working in partnership with the UK and Scottish governments and other key stakeholders. We are equally supportive of the successful delivery of all projects that contribute to Scotland's just transition and net zero ambitions.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Belfast-based Green energy supplier, North Channel Wind has announced a major milestone in Northern Ireland's quest for 100% clean energy, following the Department for the Economy's publication of the Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan A spokesperson for MarramWind said: 'We are engaging directly with Acorn on relevant co-location considerations for a small part of the proposed MarramWind site.' A spokesperson for Crown Estate Scotland told The Scotsman it 'has a responsibility to consider the requirements of a range of sectors'. The spokesperson said: 'ScotWind option agreements were awarded in accordance with the spatial parameters provided by the Scottish Government's sectoral marine plan for offshore wind energy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We have worked closely with the Acorn project and relevant ScotWind projects to facilitate co-existence by including suitable provisions in the ScotWind agreements. These provisions relate not only to the area of seabed immediately related to the Acorn Project area, but also to the wider areas required to monitor operation of the planned Acorn Project storage areas.' Research into 'co-location' 'Crown Estate Scotland's determination to ensure co-location issues are resolved is reflected in our sponsorship of the offshore wind and carbon capture and storage (CCS) co-location forum. The forum's work includes research by scientists at the University of Aberdeen, who are investigating the best approach to testing and demonstrating the co-location of offshore wind and CCS activities in the future.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Crown Estate Scotland are working on the spatial planning of sites and it is the Scottish Government's understanding that any potential overlap of the Acorn carbon capture store and the Marram offshore wind development is limited and will not impact on Acorn's ability to develop, operate or monitor the CO₂ store. 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Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
I was 28 when I was diagnosed, you are never to young for cancer
Lauren McNulty from Kirkintilloch was diagnosed in February 2022 at just 28 years old. She experienced symptoms including pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and abnormal smear test results. (Image: Beatson Cancer Charity) The 31-year-old then underwent weeks of intensive treatment at The Beatson, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and internal radiation treatments. She will climb Ben Nevis on June 28 to raise money for the Beatson Cancer Charity. Read more: 300 jobs at risk as London-based firm moves Scottish Power contract to South Africa Pledge to prevent women fleeing domestic abuse becoming homeless Readers can subscribe for just £4 for 4 months in this flash sale Ms McNulty said: "I had all my treatment at the Beatson. "It's an incredible place - uplifting, compassionate, and full of brilliant people. (Image: Beatson Cancer Charity) "It means so much to now be strong enough to take on something like Ben Nevis, especially when I remember how exhausted I used to feel just walking from the car to the radiotherapy department." Since finishing treatment, Ms McNulty has gradually rebuilt her strength. She joined a walking group, began strength training at the gym, and slowly pushed herself further outdoors. (Image: Beatson Cancer Charity) Now she hopes her mountain climb will highlight Cervical Screening Awareness Week, which runs from June 19 to 24, and will encourage more women to attend their cervical screening appointments. She said: "To go from struggling to walk up stairs to now climbing Ben Nevis—this is huge for me. "It's emotional and empowering. "I was only 28 when I was diagnosed. "You're never too young for cervical cancer, and changes in your body can happen at any age. "That smear test might feel uncomfortable or inconvenient, but it can catch things early." Chloe Coghill, community fundraiser at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: "Lauren is an inspiration to us all. "Her strength, determination, and willingness to share her story during Cervical Screening Awareness Week will help so many others understand the importance of regular screening. "We're incredibly proud to have her support and are cheering her on every step of the way as she takes on Ben Nevis in honour of The Beatson and everyone affected by cancer."
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
300 jobs at risk as firm moves Scottish Power contract to South Africa
The outsourcing firm Capita confirmed that all its staff working on their contract with Scottish Power in the UK have been placed at risk of redundancy, STV News has reported. Around 303 roles are at risk, with workers in home move, prepayment, and smart metering services, and domestic customer services among those affected. Scottish Power has its headquarters in Glasgow, with centres across Scotland and in England. The London-based firm has provided customer support for Scottish Power since signing a five-year deal in 2022 worth a reported £63 million. Five work packages will still be delivered over the next three years, but operations will transition to South Africa, a memo seen by STV News reportedly said. Meanwhile, work on two packages still to be delivered will also be transitioned to South Africa, but through another outsourcing firm. It has been reported that some staff will be let go in October, while others may be made redundant in February next year. The announcement was made to staff on Wednesday, along with at-risk letters issued on the same day. A minimum 45-day collective consultation period will begin on Thursday. Capita previously provided customer support services for Scottish Power between 2005 and 2016. A Capita spokesperson said: 'Changes to our delivery model unfortunately mean that all colleagues working on our Scottish Power contract in the UK have been placed at risk of redundancy. 'Our priority is to support impacted colleagues through this change, and includes looking at redeployment opportunities where possible.' Scottish Power has been approached for comment.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Busy Edinburgh pavement taped off as fire crews race to West End incident
Edinburgh fire crews blocked off a West End pavement on Thursday evening amid an emergency incident. On June 19, firefighters raced to Morrison Street after being made aware of an electrical fire under the pavement. They were made aware around 6.30pm and are still in attendance. One appliance was sent to the incident. READ MORE: Edinburgh locals rage 'this is just wrong' as dozens of people dump cars at park READ MORE: Edinburgh police swoop on residential street 'disturbance' as arrest made The pavement has been blocked off to pedestrians while investigations are carried out. In images shared with Edinburgh Live, around four firefighters are pictured at the scene. One concerned passer-by said: "I walked past around 7.10pm and noticed the area is closed off. I couldn't see what was going on in the building or any flames." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. A spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue said: "We were made aware of an electrical fire under the pavement at Morrison Street. "We are waiting on Scottish power arriving. One appliance is at the scene and we are still in attendance. "We were made aware at 6.31pm."
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
More than 300 Scottish Power jobs at risk as firm outsources to South Africa
Staff have been warned their jobs are at risk as the company transitions JOBS FEARS More than 300 Scottish Power jobs at risk as firm outsources to South Africa Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MORE than 300 Scots could lose their Scottish Power jobs as the energy giant outsources to another country. The firm which handles Scottish Power's customer support says it plans to transfer operations to South Africa. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Capita has told all 303 staff on their contract with Scottish Power that they are at risk of redundancy. Workers in home move, prepayment and smart metering services and domestic customer services among those affected, reports STV news. Although the firm is London-based firm it has provided customer support for Scottish Power since signing a reported £63million, five-year deal in 2022. Reports suggest five work packages will still be delivered over the next three years, but operations will transition to South Africa Work on two packages still to be delivered will also be eventually moved to South Africa, but through another outsourcing firm. According to reports some staff will leave the firm in October this year whilst some face the axe in February 2026. Staff were told on Wednesday with at risk letters being issued, with a minimum 45 day collective consultation period under way on Thursday. Capita provided customer support services for Scottish Power from 2005 to 2016. Scottish Power's headquarters is based in Glasgow, with centres across Scotland and in England. A Capita spokesperson said: 'Changes to our delivery model unfortunately mean that all colleagues working on our Scottish Power contract in the UK have been placed at risk of redundancy. Sport Scotland Agency Faces Tough Job Cuts 'Our priority is to support impacted colleagues through this change, and includes looking at redeployment opportunities where possible.' Scottish Power has been contacted for comment.
