The council has taken the first few steps on a long journey to unlock the Wee County's clean energy potential.
The Regional Energy Masterplan (REM) project, part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Deal, was approved by councillors last Thursday, September 24.
It marked the first steps on a "very long journey", said council leader Ellen Forson, after the virtual Kilncraigs chamber agreed consultancy work will begin to identify clean energy projects in the region.
The REM calls for large-scale and small energy projects and activities to ensure residents and businesses have access to resilient, secure and affordable energy supplies while reducing carbon emissions.
It is hoped that projects over the next 25 years will form a basis for a green recovery from coronavirus with the potential to create jobs in the low carbon and renewable energy sectors.
As Councillor Donald Balsillie explained on the day, there is a wealth of opportunities in the Wee County.
The deputy council leader said: "I firmly believe that in Clackmannanshire we have a tremendous unrealised potential for green energy.
"You just have to cast your eye across Clackmannanshire and realise we have a wealth of opportunities."
In particular he said there are "quite significant" tidal currents on the Forth at Alloa for ambitious tidal energy projects.
The O-I glassworks also produces waste heat, which could be utilised for district heating systems – something which has been under consideration for some time.
Continue Reading